Always Seventeen

by Susan Weiner

Listen to it: Strangers at the Gate
Watch it: Arisia 2011, Susan’s Going-Away Party

My grandpa says he’s only seventeen
At eighteen they shipped him off to war
Now if he stays always seventeen
They can’t do that anymore

My grandpa he doesn’t breathe too well
He takes medicines and takes his time
He says that once breathe the fires of hell
Your lungs will never trust you down the line

My grandpa says he’s only seventeen
At eighteen they shipped him off to war
Now if he stays always seventeen
They can’t do that anymore