The Future Was a Long Time Ago

Salt is on the air

and the marsh is on the breeze

in the tall grass cicadas sing low.

Down Plumb Nearly Lane

there’s a cross and plastic wreath.

When the past goes it leaves a big hole

the future was a long time ago.

So I just stay still in place

and watch the years just erase

all that I’ve loved and that I’ve known.

Time won’t leave nothing

it won’t preserve a thing

because each passing life takes its toll.

I can’t sleep with the memory

of her breath upon my face.

When the past goes it leaves a big hole

the future was a long time ago.

So I just stay still in place

and watch the years just erase

all that I’ve loved and that I’ve known.

The ghosts are on the marsh

and the Honda’s on the heap

that the kudzu has long overgrown.

I’m bent in half carrying

all these memories as they fade.

When the past goes it leaves a big hole

the future was a long time ago.