The Traveling Storm

In a year that is not now From a place unknown I travel on the mountain roads Looking for someone Sewn inside my vest, a letter Tells me where and when In my purse a sacred dagger On my horse I run Restless girl beside the water Tending to a fire Kissed a boy and then another Suiting up for war Heard a broken band of gypsies Singing ancient songs Gave all my silver to a beggar Still he wanted more Oh the town of stone and timber Celebration reigned No one there seems to remember Why they carry on Crowded 'round a man of marble Speaking foreign tongues There the stone began to crumble And the crowd did moan In the unforgiving morning Caravans of shame Turn south to the dry land highway I turn to the sea Like a snake so quick and deadly Sleepless, coiled and cool The one I seek is making ready Waiting patiently Pity not the weary traveler He lives in his mind He is friend of wind and weather And from fire is born Pity then the cool betrayer Waiting patiently No precaution made will save him From the traveling storm --- The Traveling Storm - Robert Earl Keen, Jr.