"Wayworn Traveler"
2003 Pokey Records
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Avery

words and music by Kim Townsend
© 2001 (ASCAP)

On her first day of second grade
there were stitches in her battered face
but she lit up when she met me
and soon had found her place

And since this child was in my classroom
I saw bruises every day
yet she would smile
just to be with me awhile

There were lots of kids to tend to
and such little time to give
and so her secret went unspoken
and, too, her fight to live

Sometimes she’d wait ‘til after school
‘til I’d switched off lights and gathered up my keys
I’d turn around to leave glimpse her tears fall on her sleeve
hoping maybe I’d believe

Ohhh hh hh

I told myself I’d help her
when her wounds had healed and scars would fade
it’s my job to make a difference
to every child every day

But there’s no need to bother now
I might have even saved her had I tried
I guess her battle’s over now
‘cause this morning Avery died

Ohhh hh hh