for a friend i've never known
...they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...
but what if it's a poor imitation?
words fresh like footprints in new fallen snow
deep in this cold january night
"and he has to go on walks with me"
a swallow of cold water and back to warm bed
but not before i cast some (clumsy) words
"and get lost in the familiar quality of it all."
a spark there i think i sense
a distant recognition mine, or maybe it's just late
when i've looked into a mirror in a dream
and reached out in wonder to touch
but the image, suddenly aware retreats.
not in dreams too, i've tried
harmless, only human, maybe like you
i've needed to sing, to paint with graceful soaring words
but my words are dull and thick instead
and hang in the empty air.
no, i'm no specified man, not trying, and couldn't ever be
not yesterday, not last week, not last lifetime
only wanting to understand, to be understood
to connect again with that distant recognition
but your words are so fine and fleet
and my fingers close on empty air
leaving me to marvel, and i guess, at last, to sleep
deep in this cold january night.
© 2006 Lance Gallup
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