Travel Plans

My darling, your birthday is coming so soon
And I know circumstances are not at their best
What if we pretend that this pale afternoon
Is a voyage: a cruise ship that sails to Key West

Or if you prefer, a balloon ride away
From this old dreary city that preys on your mind
My pockets are empty, but one need not pay
For a brief flight of fancy, to leave this behind

We'll dress up in old scarves, and drink some cheap wine
Watch black-and-white movies in tongues we don't know
But we'll know that I'm yours, and we'll know that you're mine
And think of the places we someday will go

Just picture a boat ride in Venice, by night
With a polaroid camera all beat up from use
Or in some cafe, eating turkish delight
Holding hands, with the cold air as our excuse

Nevermind the bills and taxes
Nevermind the grinding axes
Nevermind the ever-raging plague
Nevermind the plots and schemes:
Carefully direct your dreams
Even if those dreams are somewhat vague

The sun will set slowly as evening descends
Over all of our small celebrations
And we will send postcards to all of our friends
As if we are in far-flung locations

We'll dress up in old scarves, and drink some cheap wine
Watch black-and-white movies in tongues we don't know
But we'll know that I'm yours, and we'll know that you're mine
And think of the places we someday will go