A Perfect Song For A Deep & Dark December

A winter's day
In a deep & dark December
I am alone
Gazing from my window
To the streets below
On a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow


I am a rock
I am an island


I've built walls
A fortress deep and mighty
That none may penetrate
I have no need for friendship
Friendship causes pain
It's laughter & it's loving I disdain.


I am a rock
I am an island


Don't talk of love
Well, I've heard the word before
It's sleeping in my memory
I won't disturb the slumber
Of feelings that have died
If I'd never loved,
I never would have cried


I am a rock
I am an island


I have my books
& my poetry to protect me
I am shielded in my armor
Hiding in my room
Safe within my womb
I touch no one and no one touches me


I am a rock
I am an island
And a rock feels no pain
And an island never cries

Written 45 years ago by Paul Simon