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THE OLD CAMEO
I walked into an antique store
one bright and sunny day
and I marveled at the cameo
in the window on display
and it sparkled there so brightly
on black velvet where it lay
and the owner said was precious
from an old and former day
I wondered 'bout the lady
and the profile that she made
I wondered 'bout the years she'd lived
her name and where she stayed
Her blouse was pink with rows of lace
and she looked proud as she could be
the sides were set in diamonds
and the edge was silver filigree
I wondered who had owned it
and was she dark or fair
did she wear it on her boson
or did she place it in her hair
I wondered if she was short or tall
if she was graceful like a fawn
did she have a mass of chestnut hair
did she wear it up or long
Did a lover give it to her
in a tender gentle way
did she always keep it with her
for ever and a day
Did this lover give it to her
on the day he said good bye
did he tell her that he loved her
as he went away to die
did he go off to war one day
with sword and battle cry
I wonder if she missed him
as the days crept slowly by
Did she keep it till she passed away
or did she hand it down
or did she give it to a daughter
and did she keep it safe and sound
I wondered 'bout this person
who had brought it in to sell
and why they didn't want it
what they should have loved so well
Did she marvel at it's beauty
did she wear it very much
did dhe feel the warmth and sparkle
with a soft and loving touch
I wonder, oh I wonder
about this beauty old and rare
did she keep it in her jewelry box
wrapped in velvet and with care
did she keep it on her dresser
for all the world to see
I'd have placed it on a pedistal
had it belonged to me
And oh how much I loved it
as it lay so fragile in my hand
and I touched the pearls around it's neck
a white and milky strand
And so I bought this lovely piece
so elegant and grand
and if your listening dearest lady
I hope you understand
that I'll treasure it forever
and I'll keep it in good care
I'll place it in a crystal box
and always keep it there
