APPARITION RIVER

APPARITION RIVER 

I walked along the river again today

I saw the places where we used to play

I saw the apparitions floating by

Of smile and kiss reflecting in the sky

I felt the touch I can't feel any more

Since you walked out and slammed that hollow door

And it bounced back and refused to catch and lock

And I sat there waiting three days for your knock.

After three days I thought I heard a siren's wail

But I was so far down I couldn't tell

Screaming past my house down by the water 

It woke me up and I went running after

My mother caught my arm and said "Go home."

Then she rocked me, crying, "Baby girl, he's gone."

So now I walk the river's edge and cry

And watch the apparitions floating by.

"There are ghosts in that river," you told me, "Suicides,

Lovers lost and widows, jilted brides."

You teased me every time we gathered there

But I loved you so much I didn't care

I remember how your ghost stories made me shiver

But how we loved that muddy rolling river

And now that dirty water is your grave

And I have nothing lovely left to save.

I saw you there last week by river's edge

You waved at me and smiled that golden smile

I stood there so dead still upon the ledge

And let your memory hold me for a while

I know I broke your heart but you forgive me

I know I lied to you and did you harm

For three long years I've walked along that river

And longed to be back in my true love's arms.

Tomorrow morning I shall get up early

I'll put on my unused white wedding gown

I'll carry roses in my arms to give you

And let your apparition pull me down 

Down to the muddy depths of cold, cold water

Reflecting blue that's borrowed from the sky

Then immortal, hand in hand, we'll walk together

And watch other apparitions floating by.

One More Time by Laura Pausini

©by Voo

March 3, 2004