I didn’t have a lot of choice

when I was only five,

but everybody needs a friend

as sure as we’re alive.

There wasn’t anyone my age

who ever came around,

but older ladies need friends too,

whenever they're in town.

Miss Mattie was the friend I chose,

because she liked me too.

She visited my grandma when

she’d nothing else to do.

My grandma had too much to do

to sit around and chat,

but I was just the perfect one

to help her out with that.

Miss Mattie told me lots of tales

because she loved to talk,

and even though she used a cane,

sometimes we’d take a walk.

She told me stories of her life

of when she was a child.

The things she did were so funny,

they always made me smile.

I loved it when Miss Mattie came

and stayed a day or two.

I knew I'd have a good time with

the nicest friend I knew.

Some people said she liked to come,

cause room and board were free.

but I am sure the reason was,

she came because of me.