The Letter That Never Reached

Nine years old, so far from home,
In crowded streets, he sleeps alone.
A master's voice, a heavy hand,
A life he cannot understand.

Dear Grandfather, are you awake?
I have so much I need to say.
Please take me where the winters glow,
Please come and bring me home.

Oh, Grandfather, can you hear me?
Can you find me through the night?
I remember Christmas morning,
And the village filled with light.
I will work and I will listen,
I will never run away.
Just come and take me home again,
Please don't let me stay.

I see the forest dressed in white,
The Christmas tree, the stars at night.
Your little jokes, your tired eyes,
The dogs beneath the winter skies.

And Eel would wander through the snow,
A clever thief, as we both know.
I almost hear your footsteps near,
As if the village still were here.

The nights are long, the rooms are cold,
I miss the stories you once told.
If only I could see you now,
I'd never ask you why or how.

Oh, Grandfather, can you hear me?
Can you find me through the night?
I remember Christmas morning,
And the village filled with light.
I will work and I will listen,
I will never run away.
Just come and take me home again,
Please don't let me stay.

The opening piano melody returns.
A gentle folk melody recalls the village.

I wrote the village on the paper,
Just as someone told me to.
I hope the postman knows the way,
I hope this letter reaches you.

I'll wait beside the window,
I'll listen for your call.
Perhaps tomorrow you'll be here,
And I won't be alone at all.

Oh, Grandfather, can you hear me?
I have sent my words to you.
There are so many things I miss,
And all I want is home with you.
I will dream beneath the branches,
Where the winter stars still shine.
And when I wake, perhaps you'll find me,
And take me home this time.

The ink grows still, the candle fades,
A little boy dreams unafraid.
His letter rests beneath the snow,
To somewhere only he would know.