Richard Shindell Follow

I saw my youth today
He passed me in the street
As he walked by I stood frozen
On my dreaming feet
He had a kinder face
The kind I've learned to hide
Behind these cold unyielding stones
That used to be my eyes

A moment please my boy
Don't you know my name?
Do you remember when
We used to play a hundred games?
Is your mother well?
Kiss her once for me
And if she should ask you why
Why you could say
Just for no reason

Remember that old troll
That lived inside the tree?
He was never dangerous
That's just the way it seemed
The day you climbed the tree
And ran to show me how
The troll was never seen again
So where could he be now?

A moment please my boy
Don't you know this face?
Do you remember when
I used to let you win the races?
Please don't run away
I did not mean to scare you
I'm the one who taught you
You should never talk to strangers
Is your mother well?
Kiss her once for me
And if she should ask you why
Why you could say
Just for no reason