Before the vision fades

Rain beating on the windows
the angels shake their beds
black night covers the meadows
the children hide their heads
a lone beggar is crying
and the dogs bark until late
you can't think about dying
before the vision fades

There's clouds over the mountains
I had a dream last night
wine spouting from the fountains
still I can't tell wrong from right
meet me at the old shack
and honey don't be late
I really have to get back
before the vision fades

a mist of hazy colours
and diamonds in the trees
waves of bewitching odours
but no one there to see
bewildered and unsure today
I've had my flirt with fate
oh lover, dear, what can I say
now that the vision fades

I've seen you in bright sunlight
I've held you in the dark
yes everything was alright
but now I've missed the mark
oh carry me back home again
right through the sacred gate
tell me it wasn't all in vain
before the vision fades

now look into the future
and look into the past
yes everything spells rupture
the days put on their mask
and I can't feel you near me now
I carry a full crate
of sorrow that should go somehow
before the vision fades

and I feel like a machine
going down the escalator
past faces in a dream
up in the elevator
here on tricky ground now
the earth begins to shake
don't let the place come down now
before the vision fades

1975. Angie. Kyoto