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