All I have thought — a dream,
Drifting by like a paper boat on a crystal creek,
Making its way down to some remote sea.
I watch as it bobs along with the current
Letting go, as it goes along.
Letting loneliness take hold.
Letting me meet the mold.
So, if you can,
If you’re able,
Light a fire for me back at the cabin.
I’ll nestle in with a wool sweater,
Even though I never did like them much.
They always clung to their itch.
I’ll be there nonetheless,
(I hope you will too),
Ready to play the part
Of the country home,
Simple man, making his Walden escape
In a quiet array of rainy days, and pipes,
Seated in an armchair like the sanctified
Image I have of Jack whittling with
Lions and Lucy.
You can be the quite voice of constant reason.
In fact, while you tend the garden,
I may go for long walks between the pines.
Who knows, I may even take up fishing.
We could talk of plump tomatoes
And blossoms through soft summer nights.
You will tell me the names of the flowers
In rapid succession,
(Which I will quickly forget),
Our voices casting gentle
Whispers into the woods.
And maybe it would all be worth it.
I have seen the winter wear off,
I have felt the snowmelt dance through
Fertile fields like the return of faith.
Heaven must be something like that.
Or maybe this.
Not quite, as I suppose nothing is quite,
But that is why I like it.
I could chase the migrating birds
Or look for where the sun goes
When it hides it’s face behind the horizon.
I could let your hand slip away behind me
Like a child carelessly let’s go of a balloon.
But, perhaps I will leave that to someone better than me.
I’ll stay here.
Just here.
Dreams tug, but reality gleams.
The ice in the night biting your face,
Slipping beneath your sweater.
I’ll hang my coat on the hook,
And leave my shoes by the door.
You can count me in for another
Game of cards.
I’ve seen enough to know that
The soft amber glow of a home
In the midst of a black blanket
Is sacred.
No need to spoil the splendor
With eyes drifting off into the ether.
Days may be short
But here is eternal.