You cannot fill a speeding car with diesel
or paint a portrait on a moving easel,
and you can’t teach tricks to hyperactive weasels
or keep a count of epidemic measles,

you cannot mend a rocket as it’s rising,
or ask a judge the time as she’s surmising,
and your trouser length could end up quite surprising
if you move your tailor’s measure as he’s sizing,

you cannot cut your toe nails as you’re walking
or try to kiss your lover while you’re talking,
and jumping up and shouting when you’re stalking
is like trying to drink the wine that you are corking.

So when you pray, don’t treat the words like money.
As if by saying more you’ll buy God’s will.
‘Cos God’s big joke, as mystical as funny.
Is he only really moves us…when we’re still.