THE CROSSING
(folk rhythm)
While crossing a river on a stormy summer day
I’m reminded of my life in a funny sort of way
My past laid there behind me on a quiet and distant shore
Ahead of me lay places I’d never been before
Clinging to the past seemed to be the only thing to do
Then suddenly we turned and the shore was lost from view
I tried to reach back, tried not to let it go
While crossing this river to a place I didn’t know
While crossing this river to a place that I don’t know
I’m reminded that my life has a long, long way to go
Returning to the past is safe, I’d know what to expect
The path to the future isn’t always so direct
My fears they lie ahead of me, of what I’m not so sure
Maybe I should try returning to where I’ve been before
I’m scared so of tomorrow, of being all alone
I haven’t felt this way, not since I was almost grown
But I can’t go back to where I’m from, I’ve got to let it go
Cause I’m crossing this river to a place that I don’t know
Cause I’m crossing this river to a place where I might grow
(bridge)
Gotta cross this river
Just gotta let go
Gotta cross this river
Find a place to grow
This was written after a phone conversation with a friend. He was describing an experience he had while on a ferry, going to visit his children in camp. He said that the river reminded him of his life and then I started imagining what such an experience might mean to me.
(c) Patricia Adler 1996