I tell myself: smile, he’s coming again,
It’s time to be different.
So shows my old friend

I tell myself: child, you’re different now
There’s simply no way,
I’m sure. There’s no doubt.

I’ll show him I’ve changed, that I was just young
And wandering and wavering, caught up and hung
By the toes on my feet; I wasn’t all bad,
I simply was… different,
Not honestly sad.

I’ll laugh till the neighbors need cover their ears
And I’ll smile so much, he’ll swallow his tears
And I’ll let him know sure, I’m all grown-up now
He’ll see I’m secure, that I’m safe and I’m sound

And I’ll smile some more
And I’ll say what I’m thinking
And all through the visit
His glass keeps on clinking
Nervously against his plate.

I haven’t seen him for a while.
I think to myself
As I continue to smile
And look to the bookshelf

But there’s something behind my smile.