"There were lean times, they were tough. There were mean times they were rough and the good times didn’t outweigh the bad. I was sad you were bitter, but you were no quitter when nothin’ was all that we had. We were drinkin’ a lot. We were thinkin’ of tyin’ the knot. Or maybe throw in the towel. Make up have a kid, break up and we did, but only just for awhile. Then came lo mein and going insane at the Chinese cafe way downtown. I was steamed. I was fried, but you stood by my side when I had my nervous breakdown. There were noodles galore all over the floor and hot mustard sauce everywhere. But I held your hand ‘til you calmed down again and picked out the rice in your hair. After that we agreed, when in fact what we need is to pack up and take the first plane. Take a bus, take a bike, take care, take a hike. Take out, but leave the lo mein. I remember it now when we order kung pao and bow our heads to say grace. The day we left town and that nervous breakdown at the all-you-can-eat Chinese place. At the Chinese cafe way downtown." Robert Earl Keen
