Momentary

[Intro] Where we’re from, we’re born out of a cloud of witnesses Who watched or walked through cotton-rich swamp-sick streets clamoring for freedom Who snuck along the piny margins, meeting under the moon and moss Just far enough out of sight of the white columns and the patrolling guns Laying out plans at the feet of the stars Looking upward for a glinting nod A beam of dusty light to mark the way [Verse 1] Put us under and when the moment is passed Slowly bring us back And if it drags on, no need for alarm Disconnect us [Chorus] This is only momentary Swayed into a trance This is just monetary We are all so innocent [Verse 2] Take your pleasure or pain, whatever you lust It comes right to your door Except if the messenger dare show his face It’s yours on a platter [Chorus] This is only momentary Flay us for our skin This is just monetary We are all so innocent and dumb [Outro] When we die, the neighbors will bring casseroles Drag shows will be held in our honor Prayers will be shuttled upwards like paper boats slipped up onto a pond by patient hands Fluttering in clouds of stars and interstate exhaust In Urdu, in Muskogee, in Spanish, in Somali The community centers and union halls will swell with songs that were old before we were born The marchers in the boulevard will take their knee, raise their fist, drop their face Silent in the midday traffic like a stone in a quick river When we die, our beloved, our kinfolk, fear not We rise