Cabin Fever

The Western States (Lights Out)

12/4/02

I wondered when you'd come home.
Finally
you're here and I'm not ready
yet to open up and embrace you.
Time was too long and it's not forgiving.

The western states keep their clocks set ahead.
My alarm's already rang.
It was time to wait or time to move faster.
I set off in another direction.

Encapsuling our past is
about as useful as bagging air.
Not one am I for mincing phrases
but in the meantime
maybe
you should pay attention.
We can get lost on alliteration
or we can sink into illiteracy.
Once the hours provoke my capture
then it's lights out for anyone
who disappears.
Yes it's lights out
for when you disappear.

The western states are a few steps ahead.
I've tripped once or twice before.
When the choice of stagnancy is offered,
I'll take the option of moving on.
The western states are dilligent.
They know the future is not the same.
One hand over another, they're returning.
One day after the next they live.

did you hear the
         tick-tock ticking
did you see the
         past before your eyes...your eyes...your
eyes?

The western states have mastered confidence.
The bills are paid before they're due.
It's lights out for those who're left behind.
There's something said for being thorough...
    something for being thorough...
         lights out for those who choose...
         who prove...
         lights out for those who lose.
         Lights out if your debt's overdue.