Malvina Reynolds: Song Lyrics and Poems  



Women After Salem

Notes: by Malvina Reynolds; previously unpublished.


You do not understand.
The Devil is after me.
A fox gnaws at my heart.
You do not understand.

I would gladly go down on my knees
And offer up to God each day
A kitchen floor shining, without stain.
I would gladly lift up my arms
And grant Him windows clean as the wilderness wind.
Gladly would I restore each item of worldly folly
To its place, and put my house in order.

But the Devil snaps at my heels like a dog.

I run out into the street.
I go among strangers.

I yearn after the quiet comfort of my house
And simple tasks.
But I am possessed.
The Devil is driving me.


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