I’ll tell you child, that I knew your mother

She was sweet, but strange, like no other

I remember the day she walked away

Only to come again.

Don’t cry pretty girl, I’ll put you up here

And together we we’ll wait for the day or the year

When she will come home, and you’ll not be alone

If you wait, So will I

I am to tell you what?
How did she look, and how did she sound?

You don’t remember do you?

I met her once she made her round

Through this lonely part of France

She asked me if I’d like to dance

I remember heady feelings and weak resolve

And thinking that I was in love.

She stayed with me some weeks

She sat in this chair made from what I thought to be teak

She sang slowly of some foreign land

Of crashing oceans and silent sand

Something soothing, wrought with bliss

Something soothing, went like this:

Carry me down where the moon kiss the ocean

Carry me way, let lay in the sand,

Hold me here but make no motion

Perhaps I’ll offer you my hand.

It was haunting sweet, I’ll have you know

Wait, Child, why cry you so?

You worry she didn’t love you, worry you’ll never know

Yes that was your mother she was confusing

But you should know something before your refusing

I don’t think we ever know, I say no one ever truly shows

Their love as they meant it, I’d go to say it was lost as they sent it

Every woman I’ve ever loved has worried me just the same

And with some I never knew their names.

Let me tell you about your mother, the way she lay down,

In my arms and made that doving sound.

Did she break my heart, you ask

She shattered it clear like brittle glass

So her do I detest today?

No, of course, for that is a force

That I have not for her.
Well I suppose you have the reason there,

Myself, she warned not to care

Not to let the love soak in

For when the winds would come, and come they did

She would leave me, and summer blew strong

And me, oh my, goodbye she bid.

Yes, but I see her every several years

And then I chance to hold her dear

But when the wind it blows again

She falls away and leaves again.

And see you see has been quite long

Since I last saw that beautiful wrong

I think it may be 7 years, since last she came by this way

7 years 3 months and a week to the day

I count the days as they go by

And maybe tomorrow she’ll be nigh.

But that deadly sin of years ago

She brought me a child 3 years old

And were it to me I’d leave it cold

I’d never have told you of your mother

I think I’d fabricate another

But twas her wish that when first you asked

I’d tell you the tale of all our past.

She wanted you to know me child

She’d want you not to think her mild

Never that she did not love you

But that she could not rise above you

She needed to be her, you see

Without you, and without me.

And since you’re ten years old today

There’s knowledge that should pass your way

Your mother she has passed away

nigh about a year today

I’ve done it to protect you, see?

So that you won’t be scarred like me

She came to stay to spend the night

And begged to see your face your light

Of a child she left so dear,

That she walked away and left her here

And then I told that I loved her,

And we lay together last,

Once we were done, a cord I spun

Around her neck,

Pulled it taut, I felt I ought.

And thus she’d stay alight forever,

And not to break your heart or mine

Not yours, oh no, oh never ever

So you see, as we amble past  the village ground,

Through the graveyard, look around

The gray patch with the Maltese cross

Is the bed of our greatest loss.

Remember , it was done for you

Because I loved her, fair and true

And if you grow to hate me for it

I’ll understand and thank you for it.

But rather, before we bother

Let this poor adopted father,

Take you down by the bay,

Where the cliffs of stone are laid

And once I’ve spoke to the orphanage maid,

I’ll cast myself in and cast away.

I’ve left all my belongings to your name,

Remember to read the King of Jame

And blessed child, be overwhelmed with love
I pray safe guarding from above

May you grow up sweet and strong,

And find a love to call upon

But wary, it is in your veins

As it were in hers

When the wind doth strike the spurs

And when it’s dash might crack the reins

Throw off the yoke, no matter the pain

And love, and still and love remain

For wanderers in lust you see

Make pour tattered souls like you and me.

Here’s the address, now run along,

This woman will keep you,

Near as long, until you’ve grown

To the pretty wanderer the becomes you

I will tell you that I’m sorry

And I’ll tell you that I’m sad,

But for you child, I shall not worry

I watch your future and I’m glad.

Goodbye

Goodbye, Child

I’m gone away

Remember me remember this day

Remember we both loved you so…

I go away to find your mother,

To find a love to call my own

Now run along child

Run along home