Perennials

August on the island in the land of trilliums

We all brought you to the south end, where you'll always get the sun

No one there to bother you or give you any grief

Well, at least the kind that kept you getting any kind of sleep

Never went to Paris even though you spoke the language

Never failed your parents even though they gave you anguish

Your dad had all the vision of a building up in smoke

He got everything he wanted but the TV remote

When you become a memory, you can never lose a fight

Empty out your closet but keep all the clothes you like

Salt still in the wound

Still, I always think of you

Every time the perennials bloom

Your brother hid the bottles in the corner of the couch

He always had a way of looking at the gift horse in the mouth

And despite your better judgment, you're the last to take his side

Even when he did the things that left you dewy-eyed

When you become a dream, you can never hold a hand

Catching up to greet you, but I'm running in the sand

Salt still in the wound

Still, I always think of you

Every time the perennials bloom

You should see the place now that we're almost on our feet

We've got chickens in the backyard, we've got soil for the seeds

Sometimes I still talk to you like you're still sitting there

I'll be setting up your table with your silverware

When you become a story, people gather round to hear

Carving out your name in the celestial sphere

Salt still in the wound

Still, I always think of you

Every time the perennials bloom

August on the island in the land of trilliums

We all brought you to the south end, where you'll always get the sun