To A Teacher Lyrics - Dear Heather - Leonard Cohen

[Dedicated to A. M. Klein (1909-1972)] 

Hurt once and for all into silence. 

A long pain ending without a song to prove it. 

Who could stand beside you so close to Eden, 

When you glinted in every eye the held-high 

Razor, shivering every ram and son? 

And now the silent loony bin, where 

The shadows live in the rafters like 

Day-weary bats, 

Until the turning mind, a radar signal, 

Lures them to exaggerate 

Mountain-size on the white stone wall 

Your tiny limp. 

How can I leave you in such a house? 

Are there no more saints and wizards 

To praise their ways with pupils, 

No more evil to stun with the slap 

Of a wet red tongue? 

Did you confuse the Messiah in a mirror 

And rest because he had finally come? 

Let me cry Help beside you, Teacher. 

I have entered under this dark roof 

As fearlessly as an honoured son 

Enters his father's house.