Immortal Sojourns

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"Annie" by Vanessa Carlton (Performed by kaylamds)

I walk on the stage, more than a little nervous and trying not to show it, wearing a green summer dress, with snowflake-like designs around the bottom, there are Mardi Gras beads and fake pearls around my throat, and my hair is all on my right side, over my shoulder. I sit myself at the old-fashioned, brown, play-itself piano, which has a picture to one side. I clear my throat and start at the keys, playing the opening.

Watch her as she flew, deep within the blue
A day out from the county I.C.U
There's nothing you can do
Someone gently says to you
The doctors say that now it won't be long I shake my head slightly, almost sadly

I take a breath, pausing for a moment, glancing at the picture on the piano.

I try and live up to the moment, and hope that I don't blow it
And what is it in me that she hears? There's a confused look on my face, but only for half a second
It's just a song she likes A remembering smile plays on my face
Her little arms around my neck
And a dying girl whispers in my ear

I close my eyes and my hand floats to my shoulder, as if there's someone there. I get up, going 'ooohhhh', and the piano starts playing itself.

Tell me now can you feel it? I walk slowly to the centre edge of the stage
I've been keeping company with a ghost
She comes to me like a piece of summer I twirl and bend down with both legs, feet twisted in a curtsy, hands above my head
She comes to me on the days when I needed it most I smile as if recalling it

Well summer dies and nothing lasts forever I begin dancing, one leg bent, one leg sweeping, up and down, hands above my head in an arch
And you're so fine, girl, the way you stand up to your fears I strike a fearless pose, a proud look on my face, almost a grin
Summer dies and its just moments we have together I pretend I'm leaning against someone, leaning back slightly against the air
I'd give my bones for you to get a few more years
For you and I, oh Annie My arms go across my chest, an embrace
More to life than trying to survive, oh Annie

My boyfriend took pictures of me as I held you I briefly make a gesture like I'm holding someone
I travel alone and the loneliness brings me to tears I put my hand to my face, fingers going down it
Summer dies and it's just moments we have together My feet go tap-tap-tap to the tune of the piano
I'd give my bones for you to get a few more years
For you and I, oh Annie

More to life than trying to survive, oh Annie I fall on my knees, hands over my face

I get up and go back to the piano, singing in a slightly different tone

Stronger than the hands that hold you
You sing along to the song on the radio
If I drank too much and I am reckless
Just this once could you forgive this? There's a pleading look on my face
I hold on to days gone by
Tell me now can you feel it?

Next two lines without music:
I can't keep this all to myself
She's elegant and she means it....no

I get up once again, going 'Oooohhh' and the piano plays itself again as I sing
Years for you and I, oh Annie I wrap my arms around myself, swaying slightly
More to life than trying to survive, oh Annie
Watch her as she flew deep within the blue
Watch her as she sips away from you I back up haltingly toward the left side of the stage, throwing my arms out as if something's being pulled out of them
I'll keep fingers crossed always for you The word 'you' seems to echo for just a second as I cross my fingers

Still on stage left, I bow my head, both hands over my heart, fingers still crossed. As the last note plays and the echo fades, I look up, half smiling.

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