Our Amanda

Tribute to Amanda Margaret Pope, daughter of Lorraine Coker and Step Daughter to Richard J Hannah. Amanda ( words, music and Vocals by Richard J Hannah) How does one so special just not know, How we all love her so. Amanda walked like a quirky song Smiles followed her down every road Hands reached out but she stayed withdrawn A mirror held questions she never showed A comedy voice and pranks for days Laughed until the night fell away She kept her secrets in a small, locked place Said she was fine in the most fragile way. Amanda, you were loved by every room Amanda, you were summer after noon Amanda, you were everything we knew Amanda, why couldn't you love you? She learned to give until there was none Wore other people's light like a coat Candles for her birthday, wishes for a sun Still she counted every note she wrote We traced the outlines of where she began Held on to echoes of her laugh Told her she mattered a thousand times But words slipped past like a broken glass. Amanda, you were loved by every room Amanda, you were summer after noon Amanda, you were everything we knew Amanda, why couldn't you love you? Her mother waits for that daily call, How are you momma? Are you in at all Meet me in town for a coffee she’d say Now Amanda has gone away If loving her could've been enough If someone had shown her how to stay We would give her all the sky and sun To keep the shadows from her face. Amanda, you were loved by every room Amanda, you were summer after noon Amanda, you were everything we knew Amanda, why couldn't you love you? Amanda, oh Amanda, we still call your name Amanda, oh Amanda, gone too soon to blame So, sleep easy, no more pain Amanda, sleep, the stars know you by name.