Once I Was

Once I was, I was, I was, there were ribbons in my hair

There were leaves of streaming gold everywhere

If a boy said, "Hello", I would hide, trembling so, trembling so

Now I barely know what the meaning of 'No' isNow I am, I am, I am past an audience I stare

What is gold is how the lights touch my hair

All the boys turn to men, all the leaves change again

Change again, change again

Still I answer, "Yes" though I know what will happenAs these phases come and go

Music tells me what I need to know