When I was but a woman-child
In days of nubile wonderings
I never knew to laugh or cry
With emotions that meandered
I'd be a "Tom Boy" some would say
Then climb the tree to hide
I'd play the astronaut of dreams
On cumulus clouds I'd fly
I'd climb as high as limbs would hold
Then stay for hours pretending
I'd watch below as siblings played
Stray with my thoughts daydreaming
I knew that I was Princess Grace
My father deemed me she
He also said that I'd grow up
Become who I wanted to be
I saw the temples of Tibet
In clouds where Shagri La
Was just a movie for some folks
But for me it wasn't far
Then there was the waltzes
Where the Prince always smiled
As I circled stairs in heaven
Then walked toward him for miles
I would sit for hours sketching
The ballgowns that I knew
Would house the frame of dreaming
In phosphorous and blue
I dreamed of all my wishes
Coming true that afternoon
Then I settled down in branches
And dreamed of seeing you
I was a romantic even then
A child of mysterious flirt
I'd tuck my knees up under me
If I'd climbed up in my skirt
Afterall I was a lady then
My Grandma told me so
And if I'd dream of wonders
Then I could watch them grow
I love my memories so far
Moments with the birds and bees
And all my dreams that grew from then
Planted in a Chinaberry Tree.