This Whole Broken World

If you were a ship, and I the first mate

Out crossing the channels so deep

I'd not learn to swim, for if you'd go down

Down toward the depth of your fate,

I'd soon be there quick in your wake

If you were a carriage, and I held the reins

Out crossing the badlands so wide

I'd not learn to walk, for your axle fails

Tied up by those arid chains

Our wood and our bones bleach the same

If you were a leaf, and I a strong gale

All forcing the hold of your might

I'd move between the light and toss around time

And you're bound there to follow my tracks

For that's the step in this old crooked dance

If you were my own, and how I wish that you were

To steer round this whole broken world

I'd not learn to love, as forever's a long time

All broke down by life's weary game

It's enough to be posed in your frame