CLAUDIA I have spent so many years In fancy lace and beaded gowns. I have set my hair a hundred ways. My face, I've painted up and powdered down.
This body bares a telling tale. They pinch my cheek and wish me well. For all their patronizing smiles This frame remains a prison cell. They look at me and what they see Is one more painted china doll. A sweet and coddled daughter with A painted fan, a sweet treat and a parasol. Inside of me there lives someone Who never felt a mother's love. Who could have heard the bells on Sunday Peeling in the church of God. Who would have loved a rainy day And never had to fear the fire. Instead I hunger for the vein That holds the life force I desire. Imagine walking down the aisle. I'll never have that chance. A wedding dress of virgin white. The very best from France. The arching of a rainbow And the way the colors dance. Sunlight playing on my skin. I'll never have that chance. Oh no, I'll never have that chance... The mirror with its cruel laugh Reflects this ageless face of mine. In taunting ways as if to say "Childhood is not something you can leave behind." Inside of me there lives someone Who could have been somebody's wife. Who could have seen their children grow. Who could have had a normal life. Who could have firecely loved a man And felt his kisses deep and moist. Instead I give this kiss of death. And in this I have no choice. The pleasures that he stripped away. I'll never have these things. My daydreams that he tore apart The night he clipped my wings. His lies that have denied me a passionate romance. The miracle of giving birth I'll never have that chance. Oh no, I'll never have that chance. I'll never have that chance...