I Won't Call You Again

Quotation body.

composed 1992, revised 3/29/1997

[A]
A half a cup of decaf' instant coffee
With sugar substitute won't do me wrong.
But my non-dairy creamer, plus the fact that I'm a dreamer,
Take me back to when I drank it rich and strong.

I sip a little, and I dream a little,
And I look out on the weeds in my back yard.
And then again I know I could have made a garden grow.
Sometimes I find it hard to keep on holding up my guard.

[B]
Still, I Won't Call You Again. I don't think you understand
What I do to cope with life now that you've found another man.
Tried working late and raising hate but couldn't make them do
'Cause, lover, there's no substitute for you.

[A]
Do you recall the morning that I met you
Or the Christmas night you stole a kiss from me?
I've boxed up in forever all our days together
Marked "open on our anniversary."

You say that you have already forgotten.
Well, it's today, my love, I gave myself to you.
But you've poured me down the drain and it's making me insane.
If you're friendly to me yet, won't you just teach me to forget?

[B]
Still, I Won't Call You Again, though you are part of who I am.
I was not prepared for grief but I go on the best I can.
So hold the cream, but fill my cup: I favor bitter brew,
'Cause, lover, there's no substitute for you.