Lovers and Losers

I was reading a history of the Crusades a couple of years ago and was struck by how so many people, in a mass fervour, left all they knew, in periodic waves, for the uncertainty of a grand vision, a cause bigger than themselves. Most would lose their lives to sickness or turn back, or be slaughtered in battle. But the spirit of a quest lifted both noble and peasant from their predictable medieval existences into something greater than themselves.

Lovers and Losers

Lovers and losers, beggars and choosers This ragged band, headed for the Holy Land Beggars and choosers, divine yet discontent Hand in hand, headed for the promised land

They lose their way Despite directions given them in passing They lose their hearts Stolen from their sleeves As they reached out for The everlasting

Lovers and losers, beggars and choosers This ragged band, headed for the Holy Land Beggars and choosers, divine yet discontent Hand in hand, headed for the promised land

They lose their sleep Jacob sheep who’ve gone to graze where waves come crashing They’re lost in time In the sands of distant lands Their bones relaxing

Lovers and losers, beggars and choosers This ragged band, headed for the Holy Land Beggars and choosers, divine yet discontent Hand in hand, headed for the promised land