Signs of a Delusional Mind

It's been 5 years since I did the last post in this series that lists the songs I've found the most touching, and provocative. And it's been a while now that I've had in mind to revive it. Music for me is a constant inspiration and jumping point for many thoughts. It's only fitting that I continue to share the poetry that I find profound and poignant.

On the verge of Passover¹, I was relistening to my Thrice collection and this song came on. I had forgotten it, but the emotions running through the lyrics that arouse so many of my own feelings and thoughts came rushing back. This song so simply tells the story of Jesus' final Passover with His disciples, and moves into the visceral scene of Peter's betrayal. Like with the original biblical narrative, by merely telling the details of the story the listener is taken into the emotional journey by the pivoting points that we all can relate to in our own spiritual journey. It is Peter's story - but it is our story.

Like Moths to Flame / Thrice // Vheissu

Once again these bitter herbs -
the perfect compliment to all your cryptic words.
I nod but don't know what to say.
But I know you
and I believe you're who you say you are.

So I, I will follow you.
Lay down my life -
I would die for you
this very night.

Once again the bread and wine -
but it seems the meaning's maybe deeper still this time.
You surprise me when you said I'd fall away.
Don't you know me?
I could never be ashamed of you.

No I, I will follow you.
Lay down my life -
I would die for you
this very night.

I've never been this cold -
the fire's gravity compels
like planets cling to Sol.
I feel my orbit start to fail.
Like moths to flame I come -
too close and all my oaths are burned.
As stars begin to run
all my accusers take their turn
at calling curses down -
from my lips lies like poison spill.
And then that awful sound:
the sound of prophecy fulfilled.
And then I met your eyes
and I remember everything
and something in me dies
the night that I betrayed my King.

1. My in-laws observe a form of the Passover Seder, something I've deeply appreciated. The experience has allowed me to catch things I wouldn't have before - such as the allusions in the first line of each verse to specific symbollic items consumed in the Seder.