#68 AROUND THE NEXT CORNER
#68 AROUND THE NEXT CORNER
(Americana)
Gail's small salad, burger for me
Corner diner -- greasy bite, then I smile.
She asks "Joy, what went wrong this time?"
I frown "Told myself he's the one -- missed by a mile."
She says "You'll bounce back, you always do!"
Finish all my fries, pay for our meals.
Hugs outside -- big smile, thumbs up from Gail,
My friends think what I do shows how I feel.
I move forward
with a reminder;
My name is Joy,
and I will find her.
Sometimes colder,
sometimes warmer,
I hope she's just
around the next corner.
Crowded party, Jenna's birthday,
Rooftop terrace, city lights far below.
Everyone asks me about Derek,
Say I look strong, even after a blow.
Head to the kitchen, find something tasty,
Turn the corner, "Loud Andy"'s trapped Paul,
Andy waves his arms, Paul laughs, looks at me,
Slow breath in -- And I knew, right there in the hall.
Each day begins
with a reminder;
My name is Joy,
and I can find her.
Sometimes colder,
sometimes warmer,
I feel she's just
around the next corner.
Now together, laughing -- Paul and me work,
He listens, my heart leaps -- all the perks.
Ink on marriage license not fully dried,
City bus jumps a crosswalk -- Paul died.
Need a time machine, go back and warn her,
Help me stop Paul from turning that corner.
Two days in bed -- numb, not even crying.
Casket, flowers, food after -- need a plan.
Worried about flowers, want them perfect,
Gail says "I know a place, owners a good man."
Park in the street, store's down an alley,
Alley corner, snap my heel -- just grand.
Swear loudly, breathe deeply, wipe my tears,
Walk down the alley, shoes in my hand.
Turn my corners
with a reminder;
My name is Joy,
and I will find her.
Sometimes colder,
sometimes warmer,
I know she's just
around the next corner.
The flower shop door squeaks when opened,
Store owner wears too much cologne.
But he's nice, and helps me come up with
An arrangement that's completely my own.
And the last thing I see as the
Shop door swings shut with a groan.
My broken shoes in their trash can,
Flower shop owner on the phone.