Mother Hips

Precious Opal

Mother Hips


Would you like to come down to me from your town above the line? 
I saw an omen that you were coming and I do believe it's time 
Precious Opal, Queen of Gems upon a frozen marquee sign. 
When you first moved to your room way up on Power Station Hill 
and you fell in with a man who had a lunchbox full of pills, 
I asked for you portfolio but you gave me your high heels. 
It's deciding when's the last time that's the trouble. 
It's not over if you plan to try again 
and I hope this does not scratch your mirrored surface, 
Precious Opal, Queen of Gems. 

Two winters passed and through them both a hurricane did tear 
and it sent some strong men running and it threw houses in the air 
and it left a shining opal sitting naked in the air. 
Your front teeth had been damaged in the strangest kind of thing. 
You chipped them during a frantic delivery of kisses to the king 
and you handed me a butterknife and said you were hanging by a string. 

I went down to a funeral on Salem Street this morning, 
all the cars in the procession painted white. 
You know I felt a little bit underdressed but I decided I had to go inside. 
I asked an old man that was standing by the coroner the name of the man that died. 
He told me his name but I didn't quite hear him, 
and I decided that that was alright. 

Do you remember when we tried to wet the bed all night and you couldn't do it? 
I hope this does not scratch your mirrored surface, 
Precious Opal, Queen of Gems.