WHY AREN'T YOU BACK?

By Doug Burgum

Why aren’t you back? You said five o’clock.
You are not back. Why are you not?
You gave me a time. I watched the clock.
I wanted you back; but no, you are not.

OK you’re shopping, but I’ve waited in.
I just want to know; where have you been?
You’re about to go out. No time to chat.
I wanted to talk, but no time for that.

I think of you always; all of the time.
When you are shopping, or out on the town.
But you are out tonight, with no time to spare.
I want to talk, but you are not there.

Just then you text me; you’ve just got back in.
Back in your room, if I want to ring.
I rush to the phone, to give you a call.
Now my gripes and my groans don’t matter at all.

It’s good to hear you, to hear your voice.
I can’t be cross; I have no choice.
You tested my patience, making me wait.
But talking to you just makes me feel great.

You’re witty and funny. I love you so.
But soon you are telling me, you have to go.
You’re meeting the others and out for a meal.
No time to talk – just think how I feel.

An evening alone; just a film on TV.
No one for company – there’s only me.
I look at the watch and wonder ‘bout you.
Where are you now and what did you do?

Out eating or drinking, or out for a walk.
I just wish you’d come back so we can just talk.
So far away and I’m missing you so.
I love you, and miss you, and want you to know.

When we are together, time races away;
Stealing the moments, taking the day.
But when we’re apart and I’m waiting your call
The seconds crawl past, hardly moving at all.

Now time has ticked by and you’re coming home;
No need for me to wait by the phone.
Then we’re together, my love will be bliss,
All is forgiven with a hug and a kiss.

This was written by Doug in those early days when the airline frequently placed he and Fiona on opposite side of the world. Communicating from across the continents, working out time-changes and sleeping patterns, all added to the loneliness and frustration. Setting a time to ring each other could be frought with danger. Waiting by a telephone that does not ring does wonders for the imagination. ('It Hurts This Much' was a prime of example of this and is described in detail in "Good Morning Captain").