Annmarie

Looking at the map, the worn creases Roads, interstates, lakes and valleys Pastel colors on crinkled paper Time will pull and tug in small amounts Though met with violent resistance Many springs have soothed the fever Thoughts of you are gentler now Years have worn harsh edges down The southern states of our youth A smile, a photograph tucked into a book The dreams that happen less and less Little tremors where mountains once toppled I went for a drive yesterday Alone, thank god The landscape went by so fast I feel the sun through the windshield It's hot, it burns my eyes, but I feel it And I like that I can feel It's in these soft, quiet, gentle times When breathing isn't such a chore Yes, we will live on-- The river moves forward I've made peace with you