dirt-hill chivalry

the streets were dug up as big pipes were laid down
we conquered in turns as king-of-the-hill
and dirt-clod bombs and the tree-branch swords
armed the young heroes of our town

in the castles around me were the damsels fair
and occasionally they were in distress
but the girl next door was rescued the most
with her freckled face and golden hair

it's a long way back to the those hot summer days
it's a long way back to those childhood ways
it's a long way back to when her finger touched my lip
it's a long way, but it's worth the trip

I refused her attention, and tried to resist her
but she was consistent in pursuit
and she finally landed on me with my first kiss
as i was held to the ground by my sister

on the outside I struggled, on the inside, just delight
in the affection of the girl next door
as persimmon blossoms scented the air
the princess had captured her knight

it's a long way back to the those hot summer days
it's a long way back to those childhood ways
it's a long way back to when her finger touched my lip
it's a long way, but it's worth the trip