Walk Away

always a good daughter
never said no when he came
always shouldered the blame away
child hood taught her
love was embedded with shame
and secrets are part of the game you play

could it be planned? like her father, every man?
when it’s over, she’ll be free to walk away

now she’s grown older
troubles are there in her eyes
those love songs she wrote, they’d surprise her now
her thoughts have grown colder
and a weapon’s made her more wise
they’ll be far apart by sunrise, her vow:

“by my heart, only death can make us part”
ah, when it’s over, she’ll be free to walk away

she don’t get sentimental
she don’t write those love songs anymore
her spirit’s up walkin’ the floor, it’s true
it won’t be accidental when she sort of evens the score
and he won’t be wondering what for: they’re through

didn’t she say that she promised him she’d stay
when it’s over, she’ll be free to walk away

© 1998 David Stoddard