A Year - Loudon Wainwright III
The only time
I've seen you was about a year ago
I was afraid to hold you
But I wanted you to know
I touched your tiny perfect hand
Before I went uptown
I didn't pick you up
Because I'd have to put you down
For reasons
That don't make much sense
And you won't understand
I've stayed away for your
First year (it's sort of what I planned)
But I've been in your neighbourhood
(sometimes just blocks away)
I didn't come to visit you
Because I couldn't stay
There was a baby on a plane
(maybe she was two)
And she was smiling at me
(I was not sure what to do)
I've kept my distance from you
(a year's much more than a while)
And so I looked away from her
(too ashamed to smile)
When I saw you last year
I knew that there was no mistake
Amazing things can happen
(why just look what life can make)
But life can get so hard sometimes
(some feelings can't be tamed)
And people get so angry
(frightened and ashamed)
You've been a sort of
Secret for a year (I've told but few)
Although where you are
So many must love you
And I've passed by your window
But haven't dared look in
Although I know I'd love you too
I'm too scared to begin