The Stray

One day, chasing my tail here and there I stopped to catch my breath On some corner in New York, While people hurried past me, Determined to get somewhere,  Save a few adrift like lost children. What ever became of my youth? What ever became of my youth? “It went into hiding” an old woman said Who’d read my mind Who’d read my mind “Swimming with sharks” a drunk concurred, Fixing me with one of his bloody eye.  It was summer, and then as quietly as a bird lands, The sidewalks were dusted with snow And I was shivering without a coat. I had hopes we’d meet again, I told myself,  Have a drink and recall the nights When we used to paint this town red. What ever became of my youth? What ever became of my youth? I thought you’d be in a straitjacket by now, You’d say to me, Making funny faces at doctors and nurses. Instead, here you are full of fleas, Dodging cars and buses To follow a pair of good looking legs home. “And you” I summoned the strength to shout, “Will you be coming to my funeral?” But he was already gone. It had gotten late in the day, Very late - and since there was nothing that could be done about it - I thought I’d better toddle along myself. What ever became of my youth? What ever became of my youth?