Is It Too Late?

Words and music by Gary Washington, aka Michael Venegar, aka The Uncle Gary © 2019

Prologue

This song is about a man who was having problems in his relationship with his girlfriend who we’ll call Antoinette.  He is a young man who had yet to understand his emotions. So, he developed a habit of abusing his lady both mentally and physically.  She could often be found crying after he had left the house. She loved him but was getting tired of the abuse.

One day he left the house going somewhere and did not return that night. In fact, it would be some years before she saw him again. He had committed a crime, got caught and hauled off to jail.  Although he knew where she lived, he did not know her address so he could not contact her via mail or phone since the police had confiscated his cell phone.

Eventually, was convicted and sentenced to 5 years in prison.

While in prison, he thought about Antoinette often.  He reflected on how good she had treated him and how bad he had treated her.  He was so lonely and wished he could turn back the hands of time so he could have another chance with her; to apologize to her.  In his mind, it would be so different, so wonderful, so romantic. But there were no more chances. He would think about her every night for the next 5 years.

Once he accepted the fact that it would be years before he would see her again, he decided to make the best of it.  So, he began a regime of self-improvement programs. He signed up for GED studies, lifted weights, began running track every day, eating healthy and at night he would write her although he had no way of getting the letters to her.

He had a picture of her that was in his wallet when he was arrested, that the police allowed him to keep.  He had it enlarged, framed and it sat on his desk as a constant reminder of his love for her.

As the years rolled by, he kept up his rehabilitation programs with his girlfriend being his motivation.  He completed his GED studies and was awarded his high school diploma. He didn’t stop there, he enrolled in college.

After he had served his sentence, he was granted a parole and would be leaving prison in the next 60 days.  He was so happy that he would be reunited with Antoinette that he couldn’t wait to see her. But one thing began to plague him in those 60 days.  Would she still want him; would she still be living in the same house or even in the same state? In fact, would she have somebody else in her life that has taken his place.  Would she be pregnant or have a child by another man?  Would she even still be alive.

He began to have sleepless nights because all that he had done to improve himself was for her.  She was the sole reason for his existence. He could not imagine what he would do if he could not have another chance with Antoinette.

Finally, the day came when he was released from prison.  The Department of Corrections gave him $50 that is given to prisoners who had completed their time and was on their way out.  He bought a bus ticket and headed home. When he arrived in Detroit, he stopped at the florist and bought a dozen Roses that he thought he would give her.  He just believed she would still be there. He now understood how much he loved her and that he would never mistreat he again.

He arrived at where he hoped she still lived and knocked on the door.  After a few moments, a man answered the door and his heart sank….

Continued after the poem/song…

Is It Too Late?

Verse 1

Once again, I will get the chance to do

all the things I wanted for you

but I failed to understand what I had.

Verse 2

Now, I’m home, back to right all of my wrongs

got my life straight since I’ve been gone

and I won’t leave you again this I promise

Chorus

Is it too late to take a slow drive through the park?

Is it too late to hold you real tight in the dark?

Is it too late for you and I to warm each other’s hearts?

Verse 3

There were times when I could not sleep at night

just thinking ‘bout holding you tight

and I felt so all alone, without you.

Verse 4

But I knew as the time passed slowly by

that one day you and I

would be together again forever.

Chorus

Is it too late to take a slow drive through the park?

Is it too late to hold you real tight in the dark?

Is it too late for you and I to warm each other’s hearts?

Bridge

There were moments I could not remember

There were moments I could not forget

Chorus

Is it too late to take a slow drive through the park?

Is it too late to hold you real tight in the dark?

Is it too late for you and I to warm each other’s hearts?

Is it too late?

Suddenly,  Antoinette pushed her way past her brother and jumped into the young mans arms.  She was smiling and so happy to see him.  He handed her the Roses and asked her if it was to late for him and her to get back together.  She said, I have been waiting on you for five years….