The four quartets

The key turns once and locks the door
You, you were here
I saw your signature
I saw the moving leaves
I saw the closing door

Now the priest has called (dressed in his robes)
With memory eternal over the telephone
But i'll have no condolences
Just the meaning of it all

When i was alive, thoughtful and nice
I tried to do what's right
When i was alive, not once but twice
I should have used a knife

I read "the four quartets," "the dry salvages"
Wrote the words upon my wrist
Wore the clothes upon my back
A life spent in pursuit of it
A life just spent

Now i am here on parade
I'm lying in state
The flags are all half-raised
Ave maria plays
Oh, it's a fading song
I sing it on and on