Central Square

Five roads led from Central Square, but only one led home.
While down the other four, there lay a world I’d never known.
I saw three stars among the clouds — a good sign, some might say.
I saw the road that led to home, but I took another way.
I met the girl I came to love one night in Central Square.
I loved the way she sang her song; I loved her auburn hair.
I heard her sing The Water Is Wide and Johnny’s Gone to Sea
And Spanish Is the Loving Tongue, while she looked right at me.
I took her home with me that night; I carried her guitar.
I gave to her my only bed while I lay on the floor.
She kissed me when she went to bed; I lay awake past three,
And I was nearly sleeping when I heard her call to me.
We lived together all that year until we drew apart.
For I was younger than my years and did not know my heart.
I sang along with her one night in quiet harmony,
Until I realized this song was her farewell to me.
I made the worst mistake of all; I turned and left her there.
And winter had come in when I stepped out in Central Square.
I saw three stars among the clouds — a good sign, some might say.
I saw the road that led to home, but I took another way.
I saw the road that led to home, but I took another way.