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

And 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’ve died then and there

Now you’re telling me
you’re not nostalgic
then give 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 loved you dearly
and if you’re offering me diamonds and rust
I’ve already paid

Joan Baez