Cherry Avenue

Me and the dog on our afternoon ride,
Studiously studying both the left and right sides
Looking for squirrels, cats or that postman fool
On an extra slow journey, Cherry Avenue

Me and the dog both have senses tuned high
Focused on the ground, while ignoring the sky
Until I’m suddenly shaken by a forgotten view
Just ahead on the left of Cherry Avenue

And I say; “here is the house where my best friend died,
She was the innocent half of a murder/suicide”

A fevered bark in recognition of a friend,
Emerging from the shelter of his back yard pen
I spot a memory dangling underneath the next stop sign
A brutal reminder of one trying time

And I think; “here is the corner of my first heartbreak
An adolescent trauma which I could never quite shake”

This street goes on for miles and miles
A corridor of memories, tears and smiles, been quite a while

This street goes on for miles and miles and miles and miles
A someday, satisfying journey reconciled, after a while
After a while, I will see you smile after a while

Me and the dog on our way back home,
Ideas propagate for some brand new poem
As an instant verse emerges from the wider view
Just ahead on the right of Cherry Avenue

As I cry; “there is the place where that chance meeting occurred,
Could I ever have predicted what my life would be with her?”
Oh, oh, what a life I have with her, woh, woh, woh such a good life I have with her