Arizona Dream

You're coming tomorrow and you're taking my friend
I let her go gently
without a struggle or pausing thought
for that which once was ours
will be put into my box of memories
to be opened at a later date and gone through
when I think that my heart is no longer sore

You will travel the bumpy road
in anticipation
where uncertainty awaits
and cactus tower their reassurance
of something lasting and solid
and the sun will shine brighter for you
with a catch in your heart
as the scents of the roaring waves
become a distant quiet memory

I know that my heart
cannot follow the innocent
long pigtailed
pretty girl
anymore
as dishes and dreams
and memories are packed
and she rumbles off in chatter

I will stand in a cloud of dust
and silence
and wave good-bye
and close the tiniest of doors
and return to my world
as only I know it
because I have to
but I'll shade my eyes
and watch the bluest of balloons
float up and up into the sun
until I can't see it anymore
and I squint from the brightness
and a tear stains my cheek.