Sixteen, Maybe Less

Beyond the ridge to the left
You asked me what I want
Between the trees and the chirping
By the shaded pond
I spent an hour with you
Should I want anything else?

She rose and winked
Like the owner of a candy 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 wrote me he saw her there
In the woods one Christmas Eve
Asleep

I met my wife at a party
When I drank too much
My son is married
And tells me we don't talk enough
It's so predictable
Yesterday my dream was of you

Beyond the ridge on the left
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 it too"

And though an autumn time lullaby
Sang our newborn love to sleep
I dreamt I'd traveled and found you there
In the woods one Christmas Eve
With me