Fledgling from Small Hours by Peter Forman

Fledgling
Lyrics by Peter Forman

She says that it’s only a little.
I think that it’s only my life.
I’m a stick that she’s learned to whittle
Away, one sliver at a time.

I just can’t say yes anymore,
So by the fire’s glow,
I harden my fiber to steel
And then I say — no.

She gives me an ultimatum.
I sit in a silence so vast.
I feel her tugging at the bit
That controlled me in the past.

I just can’t say yes anymore,
Pulling hard at the reins,
I buck like a wild pony
And then I say — no.

She begs and she pleads, like she’s broken.
The pity starts worming through.
I slam the gates closed on my heart
And cover the seams with rue.

I just can’t say yes anymore,
So silent in the snow,
I fill my veins with ice,
And then I say — no.

She says that she’s always loved me,
And deserves way more than I give.
I gentle the tiny fledgling
Of my will, and choose to live.

And though there’s so much more to do,
I sit and watch my spirit’s glow,
Someday I’ll fill my wings and soar,
And won’t have to say — no.

• Folk
• acoustic
• acoustic folk
• folk
• jazz influenced
• reflective
• singer-songwriter
• storytelling
• Atlanta