We were both nine years old
when you came to town.
I remember the big allied van.
My mama went over and took you all lunch.
And my dad gave your dad a hand.
And the first time I saw you was through the screen door.
When the paper I threw missed the porch.
Lord, it's been years since I carried the news.
But I still carry the torch.
Of Maple Street memories and cherry tree games.
Summer nights and ice cream cones.
Take the red from the roses,
the sun from the sky.
But leave my Maple Street memories alone.
Leave my Maple Street memories alone.
We played hide and seek in the buildings out back.
I was easy to find, I admit.
As the
years flew away,
it got harder to hide the fact I thought you were it.
Then we stood
by the line like bush in your yard.
Your pink prom gown late in May. Your mom took our picture.
I took your hand and you took my breath away.
With Maple Street memories and cherry tree games.
Summer nights and ice cream cones.
Take the red from the roses,
the sun from the sky.
But leave my Maple Street memories alone.
Leave my Maple Street memories alone.
I never go back.
I don't stand in the yard.
And look at your window upstairs.
In my mind I see you combing your hair.
And blowing kisses at me in the air.
Then one time at Christmas I saw you come home.
Your arms full of children that day.
And it was later that night when I put mine to bed.
I put my Maple Street memories away.
Maple Street memories and cherry tree games.
Summer nights and bicycle days.
Leave me with something my heart can take.
But take those Maple Street memories away.
Take those Maple Street memories away.