Drive For You (for Tristen)

I will take the wheel.
Can I tell your secrets?
Didn't have my license
but you had a car.
You were laughing-
I was far too serious.
Dye my hair black-dye yours-
you drove me home.
Always changing clothes-
I kept my jeans on,
you want to take a drive.
Five years are nothing
but exits we took
along the way.
I was starving- you cried
too many times to count.
You cleaned up behind
my tragedies.
I waited outside your lonely
afterthought.
We took the long way down
highway one. February was cold.
You said you'd rather take
the passenger side.
Pack a couple of bags for me-
six or eight for you-
sneak out, three a.m.
buy me lunch- I swear one day
I'll pay for all I owe.
You spoiled this white trash.
Did I ever deserve, your hospitality?
Explain your thoughts again.
I promise to be solid.
I will not slip like others
tend to slip away.
I must drive with intensity-
you must defend.
Such a woman to me,
strong through the bone.
I'll take to the road
and hope you need me still.
Let's make plans, don't be late,
watch tv, take a drive.

11-15-95