Inclined to Forget

The long, dark history of longing
The long, thin thread through every year
And long noses where they shouldn't be
A calendar that settles in and puts its roots down here

The cartography of wanting
A different road on every page
And the frontward gaze you're supposed to have
Is fumbling and faltering and shaking, looking back

I'm inclined to forget it
If you'd be so kind
Close those eyes, honey
Let it
Wash away that
Thing they say
Is blind

Ancient tales about the ice and cold
Chase each other down inside your head
Until the only thing you can think of
Is which words you'd choose if she should find the nerve to ask again

The manifesto of maturity
States it isn't merely growing old
It's growing locks with only one good key
And immunities to wanting things all glitter and no gold

I'm inclined to forget it
If you'd be so kind
Close those eyes, honey
Let it
Wash away that
Thing they say
Is blind

The best part about amnesia
Is not knowing how very close you came
To pinning down the last free, wild thing
On your side of the blue, it's tough to beat me at this game

I'm inclined to forget it
With a wink and a wave
Dive headfirst, honey
Let it
Prove me wrong
About which of us
Was brave