The Shortest Story Lyrics

Harry Chapin The Shortest Story

I am born today, the sun burns its promise in my eyes
Mama strikes me and I draw a breath and cry
Above me a cloud softly tumbles through the sky
I am glad to be alive

It is my seventh day, I taste the hunger and I cry
My brother and sister cling to mama's side
She squeezes her breast, but it has nothing to provide
Someone weeps, I fall asleep

It is twenty days today, mama does not hold me anymore
I open my mouth but I am too weak to cry
Above me a bird slowly crawls across the sky
Why is there nothing now to do but die?