Beyond the ridge to the left
you asked me what I want
between the trees and cicadas
singing round the pond
- I spent an hour with you
should I want anything else? -
One grin and wink
like the neon on the liquor store
we were sixteen, maybe less
maybe a little more
I walked home smiling
I finally had a story to tell
And though an autumn-time lullaby
sang our new-born love to sleep
my brother told me, he saw you there
in the woods one Christmas Eve, waiting
I met my wife at a party
when I drank too much
my son is married
and tells me we don’t talk enough
call it predictable
yesterday my dream was of you
Beyond the ridge to the west
the sun had left the sky
between the trees and pond
you put your hand in mine
said, – Time has bridled us both
but I remember you, too -
And though an autumn-time lullaby
sang our new-born love to sleep
I dreamed that I traveled and found you there
In the woods one Christmas Eve, waiting