When I was small
with pink, pudding cheeks
I thought I heard
soft music for me.

But it was just
good old daddy
letting the radio free.
So I fell
down cold stairs.

When I wore courduroys
with silver, shiny buttons
I thought I heard
a friend for me.

But it was just
clean up songs
wiping out toys.
So I wept
soleful, tiny tears.

When my tooth wiggled
with pearly white grace
I thought I heard
it coming out for me.

But it was just
an illusion
driving me insane.
So I yanked that tooth out
and let my gums bleed.

When I grew up
with high school to prove it
I thought I heard
a boy for me.

But it was just
bullies and desire
stabbing at my heart.
So I left
in star spangled night.

When I graduated
with robes and fine degrees
I thought I heard
green paper for me.

But it was just
assumptions.
So I quit
with no regrets.

When I got married
with flowing veil of white
I thought I heard
divorce for you and me.

But it was just
our discussions.
So I want to say
I couldn't love you more.

When we named twins
with the addition of Layla too
I thought I heard
them sobbing for me.

But it was just
normal for children.
So we rocked them to sleep
with lullabies and songs.

When we got older
with the kids
I thought I heard
time grabbing at me.

But it was just
our love growing.
So we watered
those lovely seeds.

When we saw grandchildren
with smiles bright
I thought I heard
the clock ticking for me.

But it was just
the truth.
So I'll love you all
to the very last sound.