Downtown Thoughtville

Tiny places in my mind go rushing past like street lamps
from the bus of my busy head.
A moment’s flicker, a subtle flash,
catches and then lingers.
A new route, a sharp turn, and I’m heading to you again.
I know this road, I paved it, I drove it,
I condemned it.
Yet here is my mind, sidestepping the barriers.
To walk alone down memory lane,
still hoping to find you there smiling.
I won’t take you with me when I go.
I have to go.
Once again I board the bus, waking up
to favorite pillows and happy sheets.
As I leave the transit of my dream
I cannot take you with me.
I can’t get you out of my head,
but that’s the only place you are now.