16, Maybe Less

Beyond the ridge to the left, you asked me what I want

Between the trees and cicadas singing around the pond

"I spent an hour with you, should I want anything else?"

One grinning wink like the neon on a 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 newborn 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 the 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 newborn love to sleep

I dreamt I traveled and found you there

In the woods one Christmas Eve, waiting