A Year - Loudon Wainwright III

The only time I’ve seen you was about a year ago

I was afraid to hold you but I wanted you to know

I touched your tiny perfect hand before I went uptown

I didn’t pick you up because I’d have to put you down

For reasons that don’t make much sense and you won’t understand

I’ve stayed away for your first year (it's sort of what I planned)

But I’ve been in your neighbourhood (sometimes just blocks away)

I didn’t come to visit you because I couldn’t stay

There was a baby on a plane (maybe she was two)

And she was smiling at me (I was not sure what to do)

I’ve kept my distance from you (a year’s much more than a while)

And so I looked away from her (too ashamed to smile)

When I saw you last year, I knew that there was no mistake

Amazing things can happen (why just look what life can make)

But life can get so hard sometimes (some feelings can’t be tamed)

And people get so angry (frightened and ashamed)

You’ve been a sort of secret for a year (I've told but few)

Although where you are so many must love you

And I’ve passed by your window but haven’t dared look in

Although I know I’d love you too, I’m too scared to begin