I'd take my father to the spot where he’d gamble & lose the family farm

He would drink whiskey like it’s the end of the world

I'd lead him back to the truck in my arms

I was a little girl

Was the victim of his bad hand

I was in his shadow then

I met my husband when the leaves started changing in 1933

He would shoot free-throwsI'd twirl in the air

The royals of varsityHe was my only one

We'd talk for hours on end 'til he joined the Air Force

I'd wait for the letters that he would send

I was in love's shadow then

We raised a family near a little red barn where he & I would sell antiques

'til a tornado lifted the roof & left us both covered in leaves

We didn't know it yet

He would never be the same

But he had a lion's heart

We would reminisce 'til his dying day

I was in death's shadow then

In a lonely apartment

I'd sit in his chair

Lose control of my wandering mind

All I'd remember is when the leaves started changing & the way his hand felt in mine

I'm patiently waiting for the end of this waiting game

Then I'll be out of the shadows