Common Land
By Gwen Knighton
© 2000

Fingers like a little boy's, touches like a man's
Tenderness and violence at ease within those hands
Dreams that span a thousand years, eyes that look inside
All locked up in fear and laughter, confidence and pride

Shocking self-awareness lies behind those deep green eyes
All those thoughts and doubts at war beneath that brave disguise
Eyes that see tomorrow, shoulders tight against the wind
A smile that tells the world what no bravado can defend

Refrain:
Touch me, touch me, Charm me like a child
Kiss me, kiss me, And my thoughts turn wild
Give me only what you have; I will not demand
The sum of everything we are Becomes our common land

Let me listen to your dreams, the tales I'll never tell
I won't ask for secrets, but I'll keep those safe as well
Think of me sometimes when you are very far away
I'll be there when you need me, just the way I am today

Take me up near Big Canoe, and we will taste the snow
Yes, I'll be your conscience if you'll let this friendship grow
Show me every tree fall, and I'll gladly tag along--
I will be your singer just as long as you're a song

Refrain

You're a cup of mystery, a puzzle to unwind
You're what light and shadow make when they are intertwined
Me, I'm your supporting cast, the lady with the pen
I'll listen, and I'll learn you, and I'll sing you back again

You're the dream that teases until dawn, then slips away
You are made of riddles that I'll learn to solve one day
Guide me with the lightest touch, and I will understand--
You're the navigator in this unmapped common land

Refrain
The sum of everything we are Will be our common land

Back to Top