The Lie [Bernini's St Theresa] lyrics

Genuflection / erection in church.

Sacristy cloth / moth-eaten shroud.

Secret silence / sacred secrets

accumulate dust, aggravate the eye.

Incautious laughter after confession.

Benediction fictional fear

Hidden faces ... Grace is a name,

like Chastity, like Lucifer, like mine.

You took me through the window-stain,

drowned in image, inscence, choir-refrain

and slow ecstasy .

I'd embrace you if I only knew your name....

The silent corner haunts my shadow prayers:

ice-cold statue rapture divine,

unconscious eyes,

the open mouth,

the wound of love,

the Lie.

You took me, gave me reasons for

saints and missals, vigils, all the more

holy martyrs.

I'd embrace you and walk through

the one-way door...

I'd embrace you, but it would be

just another lie.

• Artist:Peter Hammill