Andi Leigh Writes

I've been away for a while. There's something different In the air. Should I care? I can't place my finger On the change. How much was rearranged? Unfamiliarity rampaging While my heart breaks. There's no way to return The many mistakes. All that can be done Is to remove the pinholes From my jaded eyes. See things precise For the first time. I've been away for a while. Relearning to evaluate And situate the tension, Strengthen comprehension. I'll learn to love the change. Though for a while It will be strange.

Here we are again. I ask you as a friend To sell me the truth Even if it glitters. I hope for brighter lies. We have no lasting ties. Drinking bitters To dress up the unwise. One day, someday, I'll wake up And realize.

I want to lounge outside And get lost in the fire Of a burning stone pit. I want to feed it logs, Freshly split By an axe passed down. The famished flames Will thank me. I want the smoke to Stain my hair. My sweatshirt will be Doused In my favorite smell. Crackling, restful in my ears. Light reflecting solace In my eyes. I want the night to be long. I want the air to be cold.

Can I tell them the story Of one cemetery afternoon? How we would find the graves Of children And leave them little treats. How we couldn't believe How young they were And we were young ourselves. And even though you didn't Believe in prayer, You would say a few words, Hoping they would know They hadn't been forgotten.