Fernando Ortega

Old Girl

Fernando Ortega


Every day 
She will wander 
Down the road 
Back from town 
Past all your houses 
With their pretty lights 
And their pretty rooms 

Every day, all alone 
Down from the canyon 
To the shops and cafes, 
Looking for coffee 
And a word or two 
She would have with you. 

Have you ever seen her there 
With no shoes 
Stubborn as she goes 
On and on, 
Do you know her face? 
An old girl, 
Tangles in her hair, 
She will turn your pity down, 
Turn it right around, 
Old girl. 

Weathered girl, 
An old blanket 
For a shawl, for a sleeve 
Wrapped all around her 
With her little dress 
And her hard feet 

Have you ever seen her there 
With no shoes 
Stubborn as she goes 
On and on? 
Heaven only knows 
Where she's been 
Or the world she's in. 
She will turn your pity down 

Turn away and frown, 
Old girl. 

An old girl, 
Heaven only knows 
Where she's been 
Or why she walks alone 
On and on, 
Or when she's had a friend. 
She may have a prayer for you, 
She can read you too, 
Old girl