Poor Ellen Smith

"Good mornin', my darlin'", I said from the door
My bags are all packed, you won't see me anymore
The room it was empty except for your clothes
And a picture of the forest through the dimly lit smoke

Did you sleep well, did you sleep fine?
Did you sleep much at all?
All night I heard two voices from out here in the hall
The first one was lonesome and the second one was clear
The first one was familiar as the second drew near

She walked to the window to expose the light
Her breath hung in silence like the fog in the night
The sun raised its head from behind the frost
She sat down by the stove with her long legs crossed

Did you sleep well, did you sleep fine?
Did you sleep much at all?
All night I heard two voices from out here in the hall
The first one was ancient but the second was a gun
The first one was laughin' before the second was done

She drew up her eyes and then turned my way
Her mouth it was movin' but the words tried to stay
Her posture was thin and her tears they were tall
Like the picture of the forest in the fire in the hall

Did you sleep well, did you sleep fine?
Did you sleep much at all?
All night I heard two voices from out here in the hall
The first it was singing and the second dressed in red
The first one was hungry and the second was well fed

My struggles were hard and my journey was long
My food was your beauty and my water your song
I returned for your voice and your precious melody
I heard them both but you sang not for me

Did you sleep well, did you sleep fine?
Did you sleep much at all?
All night I heard two voices from out here in the hall
The first was a flower and the second was a train
The first issued warning and the second brought the rain

Day is breaking, it's time for me to leave
Each breath I'm taking reminds me to grieve
You've proven false but another will be true
Walking tall in the darkness the whole night through

Will you sleep well, will you sleep fine?
Will you sleep much at all?
All night you'll hear two voices from out there in the hall
The first will be a mirror and the second one a dove
The first will be an echo and the second silent love

Will you sleep well, will you sleep fine?
Will you sleep much at all?
All night you'll hear two voices from out there in the hall
The first will be a mirror and the second one a dove
The first will be an echo and the second silent love