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lyrics

Chapter 60: The Line

From the bow to the far aft end,
Where you loop it 'round that post, my friend,
And then up the middle, touching every hand,
Ahh-oop! We're back again!

Now to the notch in the pointed prow,
Let it droop a little down across the bow.
Coil a loop into the box for now
And then tie it to the harpoon, pow!

Each man sitting in a noose --
It's a funny feeling!
Precarious and quite perverse,
But it's life, it's every life.

Do your job in the counting house --
It's still a noose if you smile or grouse.
Or sitting quiet by the fire, I'd rather be you,
But you're still in a noose.

Each man sitting in a noose --
It's a funny feeling!
Precarious and quite perverse,
But it's life, it's every life.

Always threatened by the perils, love,
Of this mortal world, though you push or shove,
Or if you tiptoe around with new kid gloves,
Or you pray to the Lord above.

So, take advice from the lofty stacks,
And never worry, never watch your backs.
You'll never know it 'til you feel the ax,
So relax! You have to relax!

Each man sitting in a noose --
It's a funny feeling!
Precarious and quite perverse,
But it's life, it's every life.

(c) and (p) 2009 Patrick Shea

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from The Best of Call Me Ishmael, released March 7, 2012

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Patrick Shea Brooklyn, New York

Patrick is a nerd, a book lover, a math afficianado, an Ishmael, and an Ahab. He lives in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn with his wife and two daughters. He grew up in Portland, OR; and has also lived in Grinnell, IA (for college); and Austin, TX.

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