Monsoon Lullaby for the Last Stall Open

Lyrics

The rain has emptied out the market square
Tarpaulins drumming softly in the air
One lamp still glows above a crate of pears
And someone hums to no one, unawares

She stacks the last of apples, bruised and sweet
The water running silver past her feet
She wraps a few in paper, one by one
For anyone who comes before the sun

Sleep now, sleep now, the monsoon sings
Over the awnings and the folded things
One small light in a river of rain
Keeps the whole sleeping market from the dark again
Sleep now, sleep now, the night is long
And the rain is a patient, tender song

A stray dog curls beneath the tarp to dream
The gutters hum a slow and silver stream
She pours some tea and holds it in both hands
And watches the grey rain on the sleeping lands

Sleep now, sleep now, the monsoon sings
Over the awnings and the folded things
One small light in a river of rain
Keeps the whole sleeping market from the dark again
Sleep now, sleep now, the night is long
And the rain is a patient, tender song

Tomorrow brings the crowds and the noise
The baskets and the bargains and the boys
But tonight there's only the lamp and the rain
And a love that keeps watch till the dawn comes again

Sleep now, sleep now, the monsoon sings
Over the awnings and the folded things
One small light in a river of rain
Keeps the whole sleeping market from the dark again
Sleep now, sleep now, the night is long
And the rain is a patient, tender song

Sleep now, sleep now
The rain is a tender song