was the long way home
and I knew better
than to try and beat the sun
took a left along the ridge
was taken back
when caught the glint of crosses
reflected copper curse
held my breath a time too long
and rolled into the black
never saw the light
as lifetimes pulled away
~*~
eighteen wheels
and nothing more
than words denied their music
caught between the canyons
somewhere in mexico
the winter raged
swirling white
though you had hardly noticed
when something more
than snowflakes
turned the truck around
a dark eyed girl
was stranded there
forgotten every manner
pushed the maps away
and climbed into your arms
never made the trip again
you won’t regret it
was something that she said
already knew
~*~
was another day
the air so thick
smoke was cool and clawing
apples fell
too heavy for the trees
fifteen steps from gate to wood
twenty-five to pasture
you reasoned I should stay
I never should
til thunder cracked
a cannon took my heart
from off her track
let the supper wait
I don’t care if it burns
too many steps
far many tears
I found you ‘neath the willow
where once another time
we held the truth
forever changed as echoes peeled
aside my will for living
not sure of much
your eyes took me away
but not without a promise made
I wonder if you heard
would remember this
the vow for one more day
to find you
when the creeks were
softly rising
when sunlight burns
his way into your night
destiny would bring me home
no matter to the moments
come between
~*~
I wonder do you know
how sweet
the smell of apples falling
ashes into tears
snowflakes from the sky