Diamonds and Rust

Well, I'll be damned Here comes your ghost again But that's not unusual It's just that the moon is full And you happened to call. Here I sit Hand on the telephone Hearing a voice I'd known A couple of light years ago Heading straight for a fall. As I remember your eyes Were bluer than robin's eggs. My poetry was lousy, you said. Where are you calling from ? A booth in the Midwest. Ten years ago I bought you some cuff links. You brought me something. We both know what memories can bring They bring diamonds and rust. Well, you burst on the scene Already a legend. The unwashed phenomenon The original vagabond You strayed into my arms. And there you stayed Temporarily lost at sea. The Madonna was yours for free. Yes, the girl on the half-shell Would keep you unharmed. Now I see you standing With brown leaves falling All around And snow in your hair. Now you're smiling Out the window Of that crummy hotel Over Washington Square. Our breath comes out White clouds Mingles, and hangs in the air. Speaking strictly for me We both could have died then and there. Now you're telling me you're not nostalgic Then give me another word for it You who are so good with words And at keeping things vague. Because I need some of that vagueness now It's all come back too clearly. Yes, I loves you dearly And if you're offering me Diamonds and rust I've already paid.