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 love sight of my shining apple dream?
Used to lay awake for hour 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 awake
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’s 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
Flew away into a different world.
I watched as she wept away her fears
She did not see my hand was near.

The box of innocence still beats on the bed that is now clean.