I touched the ground and let my brain make its demands.
Sometimes you know they aren't true.
Beneath the neon signs I saw shadows holding hands.
Blinked twice, then reviewed
Here on the south side of the park
There are tourist traps and dive bars.
We know, we've walked these streets before
Without knowing what we're looking for
In this city that you've claimed as yours.
Just to dull our senses to the core.
But forgive them. And please pretend
That you don't share my growing sentiment
That all of this soon ends,
And forgive me, if you can still breathe.
Though there's this itching in your throat
That you can't shake or even try to put at ease.
Now there's a tug-o-war straining on your vocal chords.
And only spite is slipping out
But forgive those foul and bitter nouns,
Forgive the verbs you can't pronounce.
Forgive the buildings, then the trees.
And forgive me, I can still breathe.
Though there's this rattling in my spine
That I can't shake or put at ease.
And forgive them. They're still your friends.
Send those memories into orbit,
Let us watch while they burn as they descend.
'Cause by this time last year
Everything will seem younger
And you will be on to me the way I'm on to you.
By this time last year
Every beat will feel stronger.
And you will make peace
With the buildings and the trees.