Fallen Empanada

The air was warm, the street was kind
I held my lunch, peace of mind
Then fate betrayed my trembling hand
And sent it falling in the sand

Golden crust, the smell divine
I bought it fresh, that empanada was mine
The crowd kept walking, no one knew
The heartbreak only I went through

If I kneel now, they'll see my pain
The vendor's watching, I feel the shame
My pride says "no," my hunger pleads
While my poor heart still bleeds

Oh, fallen empanada, stay warm for me
You rest upon the dust and debris
I want to save you, to lift you high
But too many strangers are passing by
Oh, fallen empanada, please still be mine
You touched the ground, but love's divine

The vendor hums a quiet tune
The smell of frying fills the noon
I fake a smile, I take a breath
But my spirit mourns its crispy death

If I wait, the crowd will thin
And I can hold you close again
My fingers twitch, my heart delays
The longest minute in all my days

Oh, fallen empanada, stay warm for me
You rest upon the dust and debris
I want to save you, to lift you high
But too many strangers are passing by
Oh, fallen empanada, please still be mine
You touched the ground, but love's divine

The traffic fades, the breeze grows still
The world forgets, but I feel the thrill
I bend down slowly, my secret crime
One last chance to turn back time

Oh, fallen empanada, you're back again
A broken circle made whole again
I brush you gently, I close my eyes
Taste of tears, and sweet surprise
Oh, fallen empanada, forever you'll be
A song of hunger and dignity

And if they saw, I wouldn't care
They never knew the love we share
A simple meal, a moment caught
Fallen empanada, my sweetest thought