"You see, I had always been haunted... but I only ever told Mother Agnes." [Verse 1] Pillars of stone, a courtyard cracked with weeds Another night but the same confusing dream Somewhere in the dark, a baby laughs Too sharp a sound, it splinters the paths. [Chorus 1] Whose breath drifts in the cloister’s chill? Whose shadow twists by the altar still? Whose hands grip rope as the bell swings high? Whose echo whispers what I cannot deny? [Verse 2] Monks shuffle past, damp robes scraping dust Their mouths move silent, only flies and rust I smell the incense turn to fog and rot And every whispered chant sowing distrust [Chorus 2] Whose vow do they swallow in the gloom? Whose life do they offer in the tomb? Whose song hums low with throats full of worms? Whose presence grows as the darkness squirms? [Verse 3] I follow echoes of small, unsteady paws The flash of purple ducking just out of sight Crying 'round each corner, left and right "Wait! Wait!" I'm calling out, chased by the blight. [Chorus 3] Whose children flee in terror, trembling? Whose stone-sharpened sickles glint, gleaming? Whose lullaby growls as the candles choke? Whose breath is this heat in the smoke? [Bridge] The cloister doors sigh open, veil black and near The sisters bow, their wax faces unclear Dripping, melting, recast as strangers by the flame Time folds itself, and everything looks the same [Pre-Chorus] At the altar, a shadow taller than the cross A hyena vast, golden, fur mangy with loss [Final Chorus] Who is she? Why are her spots so familiar? Who is she with warmth and cold so peculiar? Who is she in this dream fortnightly shown? Who is she? I ask, but the answer is known "I thought I was protecting you, my sister."
