they tell us we all want to explode real big
so we can be more
than just a splinter in the eye of time
how long does it take you to realize
you're the water that's supposed to be wine.
life is harder when you're sober
the going gets tough with all the water
in your shoes
and every day you read the news.
at twelve i knew i could bring peace
to the middle east
and that i would be invited to the funerals
of sir alec guiness and lady di
(who were by the way quite alive back then)
or that they would talk of me as
a 21st century marc chagall.
i was a professional athlete
back when i was two or ten.
but then i got afraid
that this would be too sweet
so right before the seven mile mark
with a sizable lead
i just let it loose.
(like all the two year olds fall behind)
and everyone read the news.
After Robert was shot and John John died
they told us you or i could be
the next Jackie of Monaco and Kennedy
there'd be lots of exciting amenities -
we might be sent to rehab once in a while
but we could still have the time of our lives
we'd be notorious though we ain't even
pretty - or cute
(it's the appeal of the deformation, maybe)
and every day we'd head the news.
we learned to say i love you
to strangers
as a part of growing up
we've been taught not to burp
(unless we're alone)
and if we deserve a pat on the back
we will call out for a massage instead
we talk about life
and we write about sadness
and we sing about feelings
but we don't have a clue.
The water in our shoes has turned ocean color blue.
and the teenagers claim that the blood
from their tiny scratches
tastes just like the wine that they never knew.
and every day we face the news:
there's a gun in your face and a gun in your back
my love, you're free to choose.
