Turnabout
by Jimmy Buffett

As large as life she stood there
Kissed my cheek and called my old nickname
And though several years had passed
Both of us still looked quite the same
I said Hi, relaxed a bit then asked her how she'd been all these years
She told me she was feeling fine and came to see a friend who lived up here

She told me she had finished school
And then went on to college for a year
I asked if she had married
And slowly down her cheek there came a tear
She said just an itchy eye it must be the weather way up here
Told her I can't stand the cold
It freezes me and I can't feel my ears

We talked a bit about Mobile
And thought about how it has never changed
I told her I was comin' home to spend some time
And hoped it wouldn't rain
She asked if she could see me then
And we could spend some time now and then
Because I lived so far away
Was still no chance why we could not be friends

I drove her to the waiting plane
And watched that big jet streaking through the sky
Thought about the sad young girl
And the time that I just saw her cry
That flame must still be burning bright
I think I'll catch a later flight today
It's time for me to go on home and spend a day or two down by the bay

This song always makes me think about a certain girl (the same one "Mile High in Denver" gets me thinking about). I get this kind of dull ache in my heart when I think about her. It's kinda crazy.

I went through a very similar episode to the Buffett song quoted above. She was passing through Columbus one night and I happened to be on her way. So she popped in to see me. There was a tension in the room that night. We talked for a while, laughing and having fun. I still thought she was amazing and sexy and wonderful, just as I had when I first met her. Saying goodbye that night was rather painful.

I haven't caught that later flight yet, but I often think I should. There's a lot that isn't said, but is pretty well understood. One of these days, I'll need to say it all.

I can't stand the idea that when she walked out of my house that night, it might have been the last time I'd get to see her. I hope that isn't true.

Content © 2003, Michael J Dangler
Updated on 11/21/2003. Site Credits / Email Me!
Basic site design from ADF.org
(Yes, I stole it!)