One Hallowe'en

Remember that Hallowe'en
When you were nine?
You wore a fairy-queen costume
Of your own design
Well, look at you now

And you put on rouge and lipstick
Though it wasn't allowed
You were so proud
And Daddy said, "Wash your face
You look like a whore"
That's what he said
No more

And so you went upstairs
Washed your face
Took off your dress
Threw it away
Got into bed
As though it were the end of an ordinary day
And outside
The moon continued to shine
Remember that Hallowe'en
When you were nine?

Well, damn you, Daddy
Look at your little girl now!

She feels twitchy!
And bitchy! And manic!
Calm and collected
No sign of panic
She's alive
She's alive
So alive

I'm wound up like a spring that's been tightened
Dreamy and dizzy but not a bit frightened
I'm alive
I'm alive
So alive

Everybody loves the winner
But nobody loves the flop
No one worries how you got there
Once you're standing on the top

So I feel up and together and steady
Eager, excited so come on, I'm ready
Ready for the climb
Baby, it's my time
You believe it!
I'm alive
Alive!