Black Mistress Mine

It's hard to go when the path's unknown
When the way is dark, when the scent is cold
Though the spirit moves and the will is bold
Still it's hard to go when the road's unknown

But I'll tell, ya, though
What it is I want to find
Which is you to hold
My young, black mistress, mine

It's hard to row when the water's strong
When the gales are high, when the signs are wrong
Though the sea may call in a sailor's song
Still it's hard to row when the water's strong

And it's hard to say
How far off course you've gone
To the leeward way
Into a deep, red dawn

It's hard to grow and not to die
When the wine is weak, when the cup is dry
Though the tongue may speak of thoughts so high
Still it's hard to grow and not to die

But I want to sow
That ancient seed, divine
And I think of you
My young, black mistress, mine

It was off the trail that he was conceived
Now I pray like hell he survives the ween
If my bloodline fails, if my family tree
Were somehow felled, if it ends with me

If I had to dwell
And bear this kind of scene
If my bloodline fails
I would plant a seed in thee