"And in the absence of a vision there are nightmares
And in the absence of compassion there is cancer
Whose banner waves over palaces and mean streets
And the rhythm of the night train is a mantra..."

Bruce Cockburn, The Charity of Night 1996

Originally composed and performed by Bruce Cockburn...

If you dare: Bruce Cockburn's "All Our Dark Tomorrows", suggested by the letters section in today's Toronto Star.

Opening line: "The village idiot takes the throne, his the wind in which all must sway..."

Go have a listen:

http://music.cbc.ca/Canada-Live/blogs/2012/3/Bruce-Cockburn-in-concert-Podcast

I'll admit that I'm biased. :-)