Jamie Lenman
Memory
My lovely boy, where did you go?
Caught in the sails? I don’t know…
I waved you off—eighteen years old
You came back angry and cold

I know we haven’t been the best of friends
But here’s an offer now that never ends
Look how far my open hand extends
We’ve got lots of time to make our mends;
On the holidays and at weekends

Oh, I never really knew
What, all my brags and boasts
They must have done to you
No, I never meant to cast
A shadow so opaque
So heavy or so vast

My lovely boy, ah, there you are
I knew you couldn’t be far
If all’s forgot
Promise me then:
Don’t ever leave me again