Aiko

Aiko, geography has got the better of us again
I know you've gotta go
And I am to be singing
To the tail of an aeroplane

So I fold these pieces of gold
Into animals so I can fashion a chain
That will bridge the gap across these continents

Aiko, your fatherless smile has been summoned to other shores
There is a man over there with a gentleman's bow
Who invites you to take to the floor

Pack your travelling case
With your ribbons and lace
For his blood must be furnished with excellent taste
But it might burn a hole into your paper face

Oh so you run towards the things you haven't got
Just to say goodbye again
But do you think of me as he unlocks your knees
In the Terrace Garden?

Pretty pictures in the window blinds:
The canal – it looks good with the winter behind
Like it is played on a banjo to a Tennessee line
And the reeds are like cowboys in perfect alignment

Does the sky over Tokyo know
How a river can flow like the stroke
Of a violin bow –
Like a hand will run across a milky spine

Oh but you take these trees
And this summer breeze
On this stupid-looking day
And you can send it all to the Japanese
Now my love is gone away

(Japanese verse)
And if you see Aiko
Or Sai
Let her know
That she dances in my dreams