Sum Sacer

Lyrics

The diner cold in deepest night, the welcome sign alight The neon buzzed like it could fade, but still it burned so bright The cook behind the counter stood-a half-familiar song I said, “Your sign says ‘We Are Closed’” He said, “But you’ve been searching for so long.”

He waved me past the coat rack, and said, “Try the special plate.” I slid into a vinyl booth; the hour had gotten late “I guess you saw my headlights flash,” I said, “or felt my need.” He placed the plate down, hot and full- And simply said, “Or not. And now you’re me.”

And I asked him what it meant to stay When every road has led away He showed me ink upon his arm- Two words that caught and disarmed Sum Sacer. I am Other Set apart, and not recovered

“It isn’t fear, it isn’t fate,” he said with steady hands “It’s not a cult or calling card, or something someone planned.” “My name is Blue, and you’d be Tom. I’ve been waiting a long time The road you took, it brought you here- This counter’s yours. The keys, no longer mine.”

I asked if he was holy then, a prophet or a ghost He laughed and said, “I’m less than that, and somehow still the most.” “I am one who once believed the cry would make me whole But when the answer never came- That silence carved me soul from soul.”

I cleaned the plate, he met my eyes I felt the weight, I knew the why The words rang out, no longer grim- They felt like truth, not hymn Sum Sacer. I am other Not quite saint, not quite brother

I am one who has been removed From the realm of men and given to the gods I didn’t ask to be received I only asked to not be lost

So if you find this diner’s glow When all your maps have let you go Sit down and hear the gospel raw- The kind that never saw applause Sum Sacer. Not forsaken- Just the name you take when You’ve stopped asking to be saved And start becoming… what you gave