The Memory

I pull my collar up against the chilling wind

The rain tries to sting me as I walk

Rotting leaves and rain dance in my nose

And a memory lodges itself in my head

It was a dark night, storming and cold

We were driving in the rain with the radio on

In a strange town the car decided to die

But we were able to park along the curb

The shops all glowed warm in the darkness

People hurried through the rain and cold

Instead of panicking we sat in the car

Smoking cigarettes and listening to Cat

After two tapes your dad arrived

The car was fixed and home we drove

Nothing else that night stands out

But the rain and cold, music and smoke

Rattle around in my head and often rise

So I walk along the crooked sidewalk

With those smells whirling through the air

We did not last, we were too young

Of the memories we made together

It is that night that stands out the most

It seizes my mind as I walk along

And with my head down against the weather

I again let it play out as it often does

When I encounter the same cold rain

And I raise my eyes to see where my feet led me

Your teenage home stands before me

Dilapidated and broken down

But memories scream from the cracks

And I wonder where you are