It is 
this is 
that was
which did
now not 
but all
that is 
is this 
before it
was that 
and after 
this is 
was done 

It is when 
this song plays 
wherever I am 
makes me stop 
be in shop
or sidewalk cafe 
or around corner 
or down below 
when I hear
this simple melody 
I always remember 
I remember you 
me and us 
back when we

All of these
little lights some 
far a few 
near they twinkle 
and glow and 
dance in the 
darkness paired with 
shadows as partners 
none sing very 
few even hum
but dance they
do in the 
dark for what’s 
a little light 
ever else to
do but dance 

I am more 
quiet than loud
nowadays moving around 
nary a peep 
maybe a laugh 
I do talk
to my trash 
bin it’s automatic 
opening its lid
whenever I’m close 
guess I do
talk to it 
for it reminds 
me of your 
hands always reaching 
when I’m near

Waking before you 
I watch and 
listen before rising 
to open and 
make before returning 
and sometimes no
usually most times 
you have moved 
occupied my side 
like a little 
soldier taking a 
town in some 
strange land and 
declaring it yours