Missouri

MISSOURI (reworking of instrumental track by Silvio Vinci) You wrote Missouri on a matchbook, Drew a star beside your town. “If you ever cross the river, I’m the third house further down.” Now I’m standing by your mailbox With a speech I won’t get through. There’s a curtain moving softly, Then the screen door—and there’s you. Let the evening take its time, Pull your chair up close to mine. I got good at walking away— Now I’m learning how to stay. You put water on for coffee, Moved the papers from a chair. Didn’t ask about the silence Or the years I wasn’t there. There were peaches on the counter, There was rain out in the yard. You were talking ’bout the weather; I was letting down my guard. Let the evening take its time, Pull your chair up close to mine. I got good at walking away— Now I’m learning how to stay. You said, “You can stay till Sunday. There’s a fence that needs some paint.” I said, “I can start on Monday.” You just smiled and cleared my plate. Let the evening take its time, Pull your chair up close to mine. I got good at walking away— Now I’m learning how to stay. That old matchbook’s on the table. My keys are hanging by the door.