I’m sorry I could not stay

I’m sorry I couldn’t stay

but the train leaves at 10.35

and there isn’t time to say

goodbye.

We stood looking up the road you and I, that long gray line leading to the hills

you saw a conduit, bringing stories and songs,

food and wandering strays to sleep on your couch.

Brandy and wine, tobacco for your pouch

tales of places you have never seen, winds you’ve never felt

heartache and despair, frustration and elation

other things outside your sphere

I saw a silver thread that tied me to the world

that drew me ever onward

to mountains and sea

beaches and cityscape

places and faces, where I could sing and dance and be

I’m sorry I couldn’t stay

but the train left at 10.35

and there wasn’t time to say

au revoir

You took me into your little house

closed the doors and windows

gave me food and drink, a comfy bed, a place to be

and tried to trim my wings.

You saw a cocoon, warmth and safety.

I saw a prison, cast open the window to let the air in, to hear the wind and rain

you tutted and closed them, complaining of wasted heat.

I‘m sorry I couldn’t stay

but the train leaves at 10.35

I must be on my way.

I leave with you a little of my heart,

but I have wings and must surely fly

and you, calved from the granite of these hill

rooted in this very ground must remain

The gossamer winds will bring me round this way again

Untill then I will send my stories and songs to you

along that long gray road.

I’m sorry I could not stay

but the train leaves at 10.35

Today