Silk Road Kind of Morning

I took a westbound train from Beijing Old map folded in my hand Dust in the air like pages turning Tracks running through an unknown land Shared tea in a crowded carriage Old man poured Then filled mine first He said "On this road we carry stories Feed each other Quench the thirst" [Chorus] On this silk road kind of morning Strangers pass a common bowl I thought I came to see the mountains I found the thread that sews a soul From market stalls to desert border Every hand that reached to share Turned the miles into a circle Till I was home most everywhere Walked through Kashgar’s winding alleys Spice smoke rising with the sun Child with a kite ran past in laughter Pulled me in like I was one Woman weighed out figs and almonds Slipped an extra in my palm Said "Guest is written in our language Same as brother Same as psalm" [Chorus] Night bus rolling over passes Stars hung low on Kyrgyz sky Driver hummed a tune from childhood I caught the chorus by and by We passed the bottle Passed the blanket Three tongues tangled into song Different words but same old feeling Of wanting somewhere to belong [Chorus]