MAMMA WENT TO AVALON

Mamma packed her coat and crown, Said the tide was coming down, Left her shoes by the ferry wall, Whispered, “Don’t you cry at all.” The gulls were laughing out to sea, Silver mist and broken tea, She said, “There’s something calling me — A light beyond the line.” Mamma went to Avalon, Where the apples never die, Caught a wave of silver song, And kissed the world goodbye. Now the radio hums her tune, Through static and the dawn, Mamma went to Avalon, But the lights are still on. Postcards never came back home, Just a seashell and a comb, Smells like salt and something sweet, Like roses under concrete. The neighbors say she lost her mind, The vicar says, “It’s all divine.” I just play her records loud, Pretend she’s still around. Mamma went to Avalon, Where the apples never die, Caught a wave of silver song, And kissed the world goodbye. Now I see her in the screens, Where all the dreams are drawn, Mamma went to Avalon, And the myth rolls on. She said, “One day, you’ll understand — Every ghost has to find new land.” I watch the tide and count to three, There’s a crown floating out to sea. Mamma went to Avalon, Past the foam and fog and fear, I can hear her humming on, When the cold wind’s near. If I listen long enough, Her melody’s still strong — Mamma went to Avalon, And the song goes on.