We'll Let Them Sleep

Sunlight bounces off blades of grass like glitter.

The smell of smoke lingers in the air. 

You lit a fire within my soul again

And let it burn without a care.


Visions of our midsummer’s romance

Are dancing circles in my head

Of you standing out on that rock by the river

Feeding ducks a loaf of bread.


You laugh as they shake off the water.

Droplets rolling off their backs.

You take my hand and tell me

 “We should be more like that.”


Your words are wrapped around me

I feel safe with my best friend.

I know this must be how forever feels

Just before it comes to an end.


Only hours left between us,

Before our last goodbyes are said.

Wearing nothing but yesterday’s evening sky

You lean across and gently kiss my forehead.


Time passes more quickly in the summer

But my hands are frozen at two and ten.

I can see you standing in the rear view

The fog is rolling out again. 


The road I took to get to you,

Feels longer as I pull away.

Now you’re running through the forest

Your tears are begging me to stay.


My tires roll on down highway ninety-nine

Praying that I’m strong enough,

To not turn this car around

Sometimes you need more than love.


The lake is calm and gentle.

No creature makes a sound.

 Just the roaring of my engine,

And your heart is beating now.


The memories we left behind us

Are preserved in the mountain peaks.

Maybe one day we will take them back.

Until, then we’ll let them sleep.