Sixteen, Maybe Less

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 dreamt I traveled and found you there
In the woods one Christmas Eve, waiting