with this ring I thee wed
many times it’s been said
you didn’t say words like those
but you meant them heaven knows
mama hey mama hi mama huh

pillow vows unmarked graves
pictures that your memory saves
in paradise who’ll be there
crowded room or an empty chair
mama hey mama hi mama huh

it’s been said
you have to go to sleep alone
but I’m not sure
that’s true
or at least I would intone

when you wake I’ll be there
brush the dreams from your hair
and if your dream is what I prayed
call this moment eternity delayed
mama hey mama hi mama huh

they set out dark highways
windless night eyes ablaze
saw them driving in their car
hadn’t driven very far


Copyright Hills Snyder, 1991