Carolina

Every scream went bleeding through these paper walls And all the make-up in the world couldn't hide the scars I leave today, I'm packing light: a suitcase, some toiletries The rolling hills and willow trees of Carolina wait for me You never learned, the rules have changed since we were nine This isn't school: boys don't assault the girls they like The taste of blood, the claim of love: these two will here on cease To be sprouting from your fists and tongue cause Carolina waits for me Fields of grain go whipping by from the window seat I'm drifting in, I'm drifting out catching up on sleep I couldn't get Indentured since the very crest of 17 I left my keys and broken dreams cause Carolina waits for me I will never forgive a single day Mile markers seem to call my name and say "you're safer now, through every town We'll light your way in reflective green all the way" The entire state of Carolina waits for me