among thieves

and we indeed justly.
as thick as thieves abreast:
in richest robes we dressed,
we stole, and dance before a noon dark sky.
all this in the green wood
while waiting for the dry.
woe! where shall we go
when hanging left
and hanging right our hands are tied?
salvation out of reach,
but at our side.
what words will comfort then?
what words could save us?
so keep this here,
between two thieves
at the lowest height a man achieves.
the highest thing a man believes.
a thief song sung when death is near:
"oh paradise is calling
and its all for me today
i've done no good
that i knew i should
and i waste my life away.
so its sour wine as i resign
returning from the fray.
why, i say, could i live this way?
when at the thought my heart bereaves.
a good man dies, and at His demise:
there lies love between two thieves."