Alexandra leaving

Leonard Cohen remains a master of poetry to me - not songwriting, poetry. He catches the words and tastes them, feels them, and uses them to put everything into words exactly as it should be put into words. I don't know how he does it. But he does it so well. Wisdom of both love and life, (found, then lost) and, of course, a beautiful melody.

~

suddenly, the night has grown colder
the god of love preparing to depart
Alexandra hoisted on his shoulder
they slip between the sentries of the heart

upheld by the simplicities of pleasure
they gain the light they formlessly entwine
and radiant beyond your wildest measure
they fall among the voices and the wine

it's not a trick, your senses all decieving
a fitful dream the morning will exhaust
say goodbye to Alexandra leaving
then say goodbye to Alexandra, lost

even though she sleeps upon your satin
even though she wakes you with a kiss
do not say the moment was imagined
do not stoop to strategies like this

as someone long prepared for this to happen
go firmly to the window, drink it in
exquisite music - Alexandra laughing
your first commitments, tangible again

and you, who had the honour of her evening
and by that honour, had your own restored
say goodbye to Alexandra, leaving
Alexandra leaving with her lord

even though she sleeps upon your satin
even though she wakes you with a kiss
do not say the moment was imagined
do not stoop to strategies like this

as someone long prepared for the occasion
in full command of every plan you erect
do not choose a coward's explanation
that hides behind the cause and the effect

and you, who were bewildered by a meaning
whose code was broken, crucifix uncrossed
say goodbye to Alexandra leaving
then say goodbye to Alexandra, lost