You, Anniversary

I have passed you, anniversary, when my body will pale
When the soul slips its cage and the blessed light swells
When the blood loses faith in its own passageways
And the flesh starts its courtship with worm and decay
I have passed you, anniversary, when I'll quit telling lies
When I'll learn if my soul favors free-fall or flight
When shy mystery removes both her habit and veil
And the old wizard's curtain rods finally fail
Oh, when's it gonna be?
Oh, when's it gonna be?
I have passed you, anniversary, when my loved ones will gather
There'll be ushers and wood pews and bouquets of flowers
And my brothers and sisters will sit in dismay
And the body that held me will be on display
I have passed you, anniversary, without a wave or a smile
When we meet every year, I am flanked by denial
But I dream of you often when my heart splits so wide
When the last of my sandcastles bow to the tide
Oh, when's it gonna be?
Oh, when's it gonna be?
I have passed you, anniversary, when I'll cease with my song
When they'll pump through my veins a most unnatural balm
And the same one with soiled and damp handkerchiefs
Were the ones who threw coins in my fountain of grief
I have passed you, anniversary, though I would never know
When we finally kiss, hope I'm ready to go
And each year if I'm lucky, someone will reflect
That on this same day I did breathe my last breath