Between the Berries and the Briers

Sometimes I wish winter came twice a year.

Warm weather frightens me
with summer's whisperings
Fingering the leaves of our old lilac tree.

Things start slipping away,
Gliding from my lips to your ears,
Even when I have nothing to say.

The way the blue horizon floats,
Hovering on the green treetops,
Reminds me of your best friend's boats.

You know, the ones at the lake
Where we swore that promise.
You remember- the one we always break.

Your crinkling eyes,
Your dancing lips...
You were my consolation prize.

But, somehow, we've learned to love,
Like we'd chosen this path
Through the lattice above.

We braid our thoughts together,
Tangling up our psyches,
In this balmy June weather.

From our summer bonfires,
You've dug up a phoenix,
Somewhere between the berries and the briers.

So we'll stay on the beach,
And you'll alleviate my fears,
And set the stars within my reach.