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The Way of the Waif
words and
music by Bill Pere
Just a waif in tatters slowly patters down the empty street
December chill, misty raindrops fall at her feet
Plays her wooden flute all day for coins on Jay Street
Only two things her mother left her, music and love
When the evening's falling, the voice is calling and she's on her way
In this time of year, good cheer and merry , is a thing extraordinary
The urchin stops at every church in town
Sleeps on the steps with upturned collar
When she leaves, she leaves a dollar
And a note: "Keep the children warm and safe"
That's the way of the waif, the way of the waif
Never speaks to anyone, just the voice inside her mind
Memories of her mother's smile, her face soft and kind
Lived inside a cardboard box near Jay Street
Her mother played her wooden flute for coins every day
In December twilight, she'd slip out of sight, and give them away
In this time of year, good cheer and merry , is a thing extraordinary
The urchin stops at every church in town
Sleeps on the steps with upturned collar
When she leaves, she leaves a dollar
And a note: "Keep the children warm and safe"
That's the way of the waif, the way of the waif
People hurry by, they don't ask why, head out to the nearest mall
Don't understand her life, her world, the thoughts beneath her shawl
Sure as sunrise, she and her flute are there on Jay Street
Remembering the words her mother told her each day
She who sings and needs the fewest things is the richest of all
In this time of year, good cheer and merry , is a thing extraordinary
The urchin stops at every church in town
Sleeps on the steps with upturned collar
When she leaves, she leaves a dollar
And a note: "Keep the children warm and safe"
That's the way of the waif, the way of the waif
© Bill Pere. All Rights Reserved |