Leaving Normal, Entering Unknown (Growing Up)

Not too long ago

I knew a pretty young thing

who laughed right, who talked right

Never left the dinner table unsaid.

My mama used to tell me:

she looks a little bit too much like you,

her hair has too much flow, but

I like the way she says thank you.

Darlin’ please don’t let her go.

 

(Ooh) when did I lose sight of my shining apple dream?

Used to lay awake for hours and pretend to be asleep.

I wonder where the feeling of my future is now;

I hope it hasn’t sailed yet,

gotta go and find it somehow.

 

Now as winter came around the bend

This pretty young thing

Was no longer a youngster, but almost a goner.

She stayed up late, watched the moon negotiate,

found peace within the palms of her hands.

She always had a smile,

every night and day,

never failed to brush her teeth,

never misunderstood.

 

Then one morning she awoke

With no smile on her face

Her thoughts were blurred and did not hear me yelling from above:

Please don’t, please don’t

ever cease your happiness.

I live to see those pearly whites,

you don’t know how much I’d miss.

My mama warned me:

watch out darlin’- looks like she is slipping.

Be careful not to wander away from her heart.

 

Now as the clocks continue to click

She no longer has the right pitch;

her face is not a child anymore.

She grew up, opened the door,

and flew away onto a different dusty road.

I watched as she wept away her fears

She did not that see my hand was near.

 

Memories of her innocence

Shake me awake from my deepest sleep.

 

The sunlight still beats on the bed that is now clean.

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