Saint Sebastian

Me and Mama searching for Florence
up and down these rows of stones
birds are singing in the juniper branches
bells are ringing, though the churches are closed

Papa says cards are the devil's distraction
we play at Briscola, just Mama and me
in one hand she's holding the 3 of Denari
the other is wearing out her rosary

Such a strange holiday
the neighbor's children can't come out to play
but she lights a candle, and stands in the window singing

Can you hear me, sweet Saint Sebastian?
Can you see this flame I hold?
if you hear me, all that I'm asking
is why must we walk through the valley alone?

Papa makes wine from the fruit in the garden
Mama's eyes are a far away sea
she combs my hair, I sit on barstool
her hands smell like rosewater and aniseed

such a strange holiday
they're talking in whispers I can't hear what they're saying
but she lights a candle, stands in the window singing

Can you hear me, sweet Saint Sebastian?
Can you see this flame I hold?
if you hear me, all that I'm asking
is why must we walk through the valley alone?

Me and Mama searching for Florence
I'm not to climb on the angel's wings
and Mama won't laugh when I hide in the juniper
I want her to look at me but she's just searching for Florence