i was three years old
when i was running in circles
around and around and around
until i slipped
until i tripped
and struck my head on that small rock
i remember it as if it happened,
did it happen…yes, yes, it did.

and sometimes i wonder
what if it’s all been a fever dream
life and love and pain and pestilence
happiness and hope wrapped in
a great and breathless life-long scream?
what a downhill without breaks journey
this wonderous ride has been;
let it all be real
let us all be real
let me be as real as i can be
and may i be found in the end
with a song spilling from my mouth as gold
from the torn pocket of the unwary wealthy
that those who come behind me
are richer for the experience.