Home Movies

Another writer's stretch: I've always admired songwriters who could tell stories in song. As someone with little to no rhythm — I lip-synch "Happy Birthday" — songwriting is not something in my skill set. But again, when you are writing based on observation, or something you know, sometimes things come out OK.

The little girl’s eyes flashed in the light

Head tilted to the right.

I wondered what she was thinking when

The camera turned back again.

The little boy laughed at his daddy’s smile.

Wondering all the while

Why his daddy was pointing at him

The red light growing dim.

It was just another day

Not much happening anyway

Who knew way back then

That it would mean something again.

Taking those home movies

Dancing on the video

Ready for the silver screen

Tell me what it really means.

The little boy stands in the living room

His father fumbles for the zoom.

The tassle sticks out and covers his face.

He’s embarrassed by the place.

Her mother sits nearby,

Looks at her teenage son and starts to cry

It’s time for some home movies

Dancing on the DVD

Ready for the silver screen

Wondering what it really means

The little girl in her dress

Standing all of four foot eight

Really mom, is it really great?

Her blue eyes shining through the lens

An older soul from within.

Twenty years pass and the film starts to fade.

Reds become pinks and blues are now jade.

Is it worth it now, the parents ask?

Are these memories something that will always last?

Watching those home movies.

Dancing on the big TV.

Ready for the silver screen.

It’s time for some home movies

Dancing on the video

Ready for the silver screen

Wondering what it really means