Marking Fifty Years in the Vow of Chastity

Marking Fifty Years in the Vow of Chastity

I still recall sweet Jenny's kiss again
And the fellows cheer
As if I don't remember when
We gathered in another year

And the fellows cheer
Her leaping from the chair
We gathered in another year
Her braids of golden hair

Her leaping from the chair
Caught within a brilliant light
Her braids of golden hair
My eyes were dazzled in the night

Caught within a brilliant light
I stumbled blind with urgency
My eyes were dazzled in the night
And with a rising surgency

I stumbled blind with urgency
Into this tortured desert way
And with a rising surgency
Doggedly persisted by the sway

Into this tortured desert way
Which predetermined every choice
Doggedly persisted by the sway
Of dear seduction of another voice

Which predetermined every choice
Whether I looked to right or left
The dear seduction of another voice
Even in the prophet's hidden cleft

Whether I looked to right or left
Whispered invitations to come out
Even in the prophet's hidden cleft
And quarrel not with storms of doubt

Whispered invitations to come out
And find assurance in a passing train
And quarrel not with storms of doubt
I own myself before his reign

And find assurance in a passing train
As if I don't remember when
I owned myself before his reign
I still recall sweet Jenny's kiss again