This was originally written for the Zunior.com compilation "Christmas Candy" in 2013.

-----

Remember when being young and dumb was our modus operandi?
Your name was Carmelita, but I called you Caramel Candy

When I heard you were coming home for the holidays
I had one of those cheesy soft-focus TV flashbacks
I remembered all those years ago
When you kissed me in the December snow
And we laid down beside each other on the railroad tracks

You were sweeter than Mansichewitz wine back in those days
And I haven't lost my sweet tooth since you've been around
You used to spin me like a broken dreidel,
I was Douglas, you were Streep - the attraction was fatal
And ever since there's been a you-shaped hole in this town

Eight days and eight nights, eight days and eight nights
Candy, pour the brandy and light the lights
Eight days and eight nights, eight days and eight nights
You're here for eight whole days and eight whole nights

Don't pay attention to mom's questions about your ex-husband
And please try your hardest to ignore grandpa's twitchy eye
After we light the candles, finish dinner and load the dishwasher
Let's go for a walk and sneak a cigarette like old times

When you smile like you used to smile when you were always smiling
And when I look in your eyes it feels like no time has passed
I'm sorry I'm only half-paying attention to your story about your dad's dementia
Whatever the reason, I'm just happy you came back

For eight days and eight nights, eight days and eight nights
Candy, pour the brandy and light the lights
Eight days and eight nights, eight days and eight nights
You're here for eight whole days and eight whole nights