I Got The Boy

All I need is a good guitar picker and we can take Nashville!

When I first saw those two pink lines
Life was over as I knew it
The man who swore he would never leave
Saw the door and walked right through it
Nine months of hell, twelve hours of pain
Made me wonder what I’d done
This tiny bundle in my arms
Had me and me alone

Now my world is sticky kisses
Cartoon monsters and night time prayers
A reluctant dreamland warrior
Dragging a teddy bear up the stairs
That man got freedom when he left me
But he left me all the joy
He got all this world could offer
But me, I got the boy

I could have saved myself some gossip
And a little small town shame
If I’d just gone to the clinic
Or made him change my name
But life means more than killing those
Who do not have a voice
When I heard that first heartbeat
There was no other choice
He chose to leave and just rode off
Like some lonesome scared cowboy
He may think he got his way
But I know I got the boy

Now my world is bedtime stories
Toy soldiers and bright blue eyes
A big hug every morning
And my goodness, how time flies
Some you might judge me
But you cannot steal my joy
That man may think he got away
But Thank God, I got the boy

-Zoe Richardson

Author's Note

Sami Khalil liked my lyrics so I promised I would post more. I hope these pass muster!

Reviews

[Julian]

OMG I have some tears trying to trickle down now.... so much of this hits so many chords from my memory. I once worked at a ranch for kids abandoned or abused, and also a shelter and home for expectant Moms who had been left and / or menaced by their sperm donors. So as I read this perfectly lovely poem / song, there are so many emotional tie ins from my past, that it reaches far beyond my mind and down into my heart. So well done!!!

[Zoe Richardson]

Julian, that is an amazing testimony to your giving spirit and welcoming heart. There is a ranch like that not far from where I live that really gives children like these a chance for a loving home. I am glad these lyrics struck home for you. And that they touched you so deeply.

[Julian]

Thank you, and hope you are well. Was worried about you for a few days. BTW, it was The King;s Ranch.

[Zoe Richardson]

I was thinking of Big Oak Ranch, although there is a King's Ranch southwest of where I live. Both do amazing things in the lives of children affected by by life's tragedies.

[Julian]

Hello dear friend= I am only sitting up for a few minutes. Hope you are well. I have been terribly ill for about two weeks, still fighting., not ready to give up., my animal family need me. IF you are inclined and have time, please let pthers know that I will respond to their welcomed comments as soon as I can sit up at keyboard for a while. Hopefully soon. thank you so much, God bless you.

[Dave]

GOOD FOR YOU!! I loved this poem!

Take care - Dave

[Zoe Richardson]

There is no telling what is going to jump into my brain on a daily basis. That is provoked such a strong, positive reaction makes my heart smile!

[Pete]

a tale all too often whispered rather than sung. his loss. you can't put a price on life. congrats ... :)

[Zoe Richardson]

Thank you for your praise. This isn't so much my tale, as an idea that popped into my head while listening to a country song. Since many of my poems are song lyrics, too, everything sort of fell into place. I appreciate you stopping by and your thoughtful comments.

[FGFRANKLIN]

This was awesome! I enjoyed reading it so much. Fourth line from the bottom I think you should have "of" between "some" and "you". Just a typo but I appreciate when people find mine and give me a heads up. I'm certain the lyrics depict the reality of many a teenage mother left to fend for herself and her child. John Prine wrote a song called, "Unwed Fathers" that talked about this important social issue in the Appalachians. I like the short hook.

[Zoe Richardson]

Where have you been, my friend? I have searched the internet for you, as your former page has a complete dearth of your work. Yes, that is a typo. I often get inspiration for poems when I am away from my laptop. Okay, I ALWAYS get inspiration when I'm away from my laptop and when I transcribe from my phone I often skip words. Thank you for noticing that. And for your kind, thoughtful praise. I hope to be seeing more of you around here.

[FGFRANKLIN]

I am here. My other account here was hacked and I couldn't even access my own writing! I'd been using that one for over a decade so all my "brownie points" got put in limbo with that account. After awhile, I was finally able to access my writing there and deleted all of it and opened this account because it was the only way I could post anymore. So far, so good.

[Zoe Richardson]

How positively dreadful! I was afraid you packed it in and moved on. I took a hiatus for a while, when life in the 'real world' got demanding. But I peeked in from time to time, hoping to find you. I'm deeply sorry for your troubles, but I am also glad you are back!

[Vol]

Zoe,
I very much enjoyed reading your poem/lyrics... why is real life so full of judgement, when all we really want is quiet, personal peace and acceptance of our choices. Think how much easier things would be if we offered encouragement and support!
Vol

[Zoe Richardson]

Encouragement and support are always good choices! I have found that when I encourage and support, I have a lot more personal peace. Thank you fo rreading and for offering such kind praise!

[Matthew Kult]

Rhythmically poetic, sincerely joyful.

I hope you make it to Nashville. Great read and write.

With love,

Matthew

[Zoe Richardson]

Why thank you! I hope I make it, too, although some days I am hopeful I make it out my front door. I am glad you enjoyed my attempts and I hope you stop by more often.

[Sami Khalil]

Awesome! You got the lyrics, you got the talent; good repetition throughout.
You got the boy, you got the gift from God, you got the joy; nothing like it.
He rode off, so let it be his loss. You got the precious gift.

[Zoe Richardson]

Each of us is a precious gift. Sometimes we forget that, or let others steal it from us. I am glad you liked this. I will be combing my brain for more song lyrics now that I know I have an audience!

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! So true and well said. You are welcome

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Love the metre and the rhymes and repitition as they all work in this tale of heartbreak and joy.

[Zoe Richardson]

Thank you, kind sir. i have been writing songs since I was a wee lass. There is always music in my head. I've even attempted murder ballads! Thank you for reading this one and offering your thoughtful comments.