The door it opened slowly

'My father he came in

I was nine years old.

And he stood so tall above me

blue eyes they were shining

And his voice was very cold.

 

Said, "I've had a vision,

And you know I'm strong and holy,

I must do what I've been told."

So he started up the mountain

I was running, he was walking

And his axe was made of gold.

 

The trees they got much smaller,

The lake a lady's mirror

We stopped to drink some wine.

And he threw the bottle over

Broke a minute later

And he put his hand on mine.

 

Thought I saw an eagle

but it might have been a vulture

I never could decide.

My father built an altar

He looked once behind his shoulder

He knew I would not hide

 

You who build the altars now

To sacrifice these children

Must not do it any more.

A scheme is not a vision

And you never have been tempted

By a demon or a god.

 

You who stand above them now

Your hatchets blunt and bloody

You were not there before

When I lay upon the altar

And my Father's hand was trembling

With the beauty of the Word.

 

You who call me brother now

Forgive me if I inquire

Just according to whose plan.

When it all comes down to dust

I will kill you if I must

or help you if I can.

 

When it all comes down to dust

I will help you if I must,

kill you if I can.

Mercy on our uniform

Man of peace, man of war,

The peacock spreads his fan.