WHEN I LOVED (2005)

I fed a quarter in the meter
Even though it wasn’t mine
The morning coffee tasted sweeter
And when I went out to dine
I always bought expensive wine
But that was when I loved

My head was filled with wild notions
Ideas that sounded half-inspired
I soothed my skin with creams and lotions
And slept when I was tired
Instead of feeling stressed and wired
But that was when I loved

When I loved
The air was soft and eager
When I loved
The air was hot with flame
When I loved
Now the supplies are meager
I cannot spell my name
And nothing is the same
As when I loved

For now I’m feeling thinner
And reeling unawares
Always skipping dinner
And tripping on the stairs

(interlude)

When I loved
The air was clean and thrilling
When I loved
The air was thick with trust
When I loved
Now all the milk is spilling
And everything is dust
And nothing is discussed
Of when I loved


For now I’m feeling thinner
And reeling unawares
Always skipping dinner
And tripping on the stairs

The bottom step could use repairing
I brew my coffee much too strong
I crack a window and let the air in
And somehow it feels wrong
Maybe it’s just been too long
Too long since some day
When I loved