Steam curls off the metal grate
Eight hours done I'm running late
Breath forms a psalm in frozen air
No hymnal left for me to share
Keys jingle heavy in my palm
The city hums a steady psalm
Relief arrives in navy wool
Another night another rule
Blue vespers bleed on wet brick walls
The saxophone answers the rain's soft calls
We sing the watch in minor keys
No congregation just the breeze
Blue vespers blue vespers
Coffee thermos badge on chest
I take the post I take the rest
Alley mouth swallows sedan sound
No parishioners to be found
Keys jingle heavy in my palm
The city hums a steady psalm
Relief arrives in navy wool
Another night another rule
Blue vespers bleed on wet brick walls
The saxophone answers the rain's soft calls
We sing the watch in minor keys
No congregation just the breeze
Blue vespers blue vespers
Choir loft smelled of wax and wood
We sang the psalms like children should
Now I count doors and check the locks
Instead of verses midnight clocks
Blue vespers bleed on wet brick walls
The saxophone answers the rain's soft calls
We sing the watch in minor keys
No congregation just the breeze
Blue vespers blue vespers
Neon crucifix flickers pink
Reflected in a puddle's blink
No stained glass saints just flickering tubes
Confession heard in engine cubes
Blue vespers bleed on wet brick walls
The saxophone answers the rain's soft calls
We sing the watch in minor keys
No congregation just the breeze
Blue vespers blue vespers
My relief taps the brass rail light
I nod and vanish into night
The hymn continues note for note
Same psalm sings from a different throat
Blue vespers bleed on wet brick walls
The saxophone answers the rain's soft calls
We sing the watch in minor keys
No congregation just the breeze
Blue vespers blue vespers
Blue vespers blue vespers
Rain slicks the sodium glow
My boots know this concrete hymn
