THESE THREADS OF LIFE

C. MAY 16, 1996

MARK S. WELCH

KEY: Cmaj9

I see a name I see a life I touch that name I close my eyes

My heart remembers my heart remembers

When you were you

Not a name upon a quilt

Not a panel on the floor

A sea of names a sea of lives All swept away before your time

I touch your panel I feel your cloth

And you are with me

Not a name upon a tapestry

Draped across this floor

I speak your name I speak and cry I hear you whisper "Love never dies"

You say,  "remember, tell all the world

There is an answer

In each name upon this quilt

In every fiber on this floor"

 These threads of life connect us all the living and the gone

 This quilt's become the garment we must wear till AIDS is gone

 Each panel tells a story a tragic human truth

 To push us all to action each must find what each must do

 So won't you listen to the stories listen hard and long

 Let your heart be opened by their tender precious song

 Those who are gone

 Are living on

 In this quilt sewn with sadness, tears, memories and love

Each one of you who've passed away Please hear our words now hear us pray

Let us remember let us remember

To sing your name

And let the words upon your panel

Help us heal and carry on

 CHORUS