The Surgeon Above the Arbor Okkervil River

The surgeon above the arbor
A current out in the harbor
Glide away like a braid on a carousel
Slide behind like a cry on a carousel

I've a certain admiration for the dumb
Who barge in like the first cop on a crime scene
Evidence, evidence isn't everything
Upside-down in the dewy morning
In the morning

I joined Corps and they put me to work
Cracking bones in half and fattening lips
Serving up stew and breathing in bleach
Crying with mothers caked in debris
Dying with daughters lying halfway in the street
Felt it complete

A certain surging of ardor
Stir of sunlight, stars burst
The surgeon above the arbor
A current out in the harbor
A current in the harbor