in my opinion shortest story, is a memorable modern song with excellent lyrics. I heard it performed by Richard Grainger and thought it was acceptable material for a folk club, of course whether it is a folk song is debatable and possibly unimportant, any other people have modern songs that they like.


THE SHORTEST STORY
Written by Harry Chapin
As sung by Harry Chapin on "Greatest Stories Live" (1976)

I am born today; the sun burns a promise in my eye.
Mama strikes me and I draw a breath and cry.
Above me a cloud softly tumbles through the sky.
I am glad to be alive.

It is my seventh day; I taste the hunger and I cry.
My brother and sister cling to Mama's side.
She squeezes her breast, but it has nothing to provide.
Someone weeps; I fall asleep.

It is twenty days today; Mama does not hold me anymore.
I open my mouth but I am too weak to cry.
Above me a bird slowly crawls across the sky.
Why is there nothing now to do but die?