Album Notes

A brief summary of each song:

1. For the Empress-- Orphan invites others to join musical troupe for unprofitable adventures.

2. Putnam Silt Loam-- Incest and class conflict thwart lovers. All die.

3. Spite the Sky-- A river bird feels unvanquished, seeks redress.

4. Tin Trombone-- Disrespect of musical instrument leads to fratricide.

5. Against Moontide-- Starving couple choose infant exposure.

6. Mark Twain-- Young people skip stones, make love, lose.

7. On A Train-- Bereft chases after deceased, meets athletic nun.

8. Silver Skin-- Big questions from a small child.

9. Del’s Prayer-- Weary pilgrim demands immediate sign.

10. Helen-- Sweet picnic, with aftertaste of apocalypse.

11. Grace-- Spared man prays over his supper.