The Days of Sand and Shovels

When I noticed her the first time
I was outside running barefoot in the rain
She lived in the house next door
Her nose was pressed against the window pane.
When I looked at her she smiled
And showed a place where two teeth used to be
And I heard her ask her mom
If she could come outside and play with me.
Soon the days of sand and shovels
Gave way to the mysteries of life
Then I noticed she was changin'
And I looked at her through different eyes.
We became as one and knew
A love without beginning or an end
Everyday I lived with her was like
A new day dawning once again.
And I’ve loved her since every doll was Shirley Temple
Soda pop was still a nickel
Jam was on her fingertips
Milk was circled on her lips.
After many years our love grew silent
And at night I heard her cry
When she left me in the fall
I said that it would be our last goodbye.
I was man enough to give her everything
She needed for a home
In searching for a pefect love
I found that I could not give her a child.
Now she lives a quiet life
And is the mother of a little girl
Everytime I pass her house my thoughts
Go back into another world.
Because I see her little girl
Her nose is pressed against the window pane
She thinks I’m a lonely man
Who wants to come inside out of the rain.
And I’ve loved her since every doll was Shirley Temple
Soda pop was still a nickel
Jam was on her fingertips
Milk was circled on her lips…