Summer Shadow from Eight Songs by Distant Reader

We were crossing Spring St
On a summer afternoon
We'd half-finished high school
I'd spent every day with you

Then a breeze rose up from the ground
I saw you soar above the trees
I blinked and I looked up again
And you had flown away from me

Everyone told me you'd come back
Our friends said they'd seen you
I followed them around town
In hopes I'd catch a glimpse of you

I found a postcard in the yard
I couldn't read a word
But I recognized the way you wrote

If I listed every sighting
If I made a map
If I stood in every spot and sang
Would you come back

I had a dream later on (so you said)
I was walking home by myself (like you do some nights)
Passed your house as the night rolled in (you used to finish)
Four lights softer than anything else (so many of my thoughts)
Stood outside for a while (I can see)
Heard a voice and opened the door (you've been waiting)
A whole crowd was eating cake (I hope you know)
Blue balloons covered the floor (how much you mean)
Everybody gathered around (I'll tell you when)
Your family and all our friends (I come back)
It was your birthday (thank you for remembering)
And I could sit beside you again

• Experimental
• Berkeley