Ode to Toronto

Ode to Toronto 4:02 a.m.

precious place
in spite of the hell
I found there

heaven's grace
in spite of the one
worst-case fear

eyes and face
haunt me when I sleep
when I dream
when I wake

out of place
out of time
point of break

and just like the late show
I passed that point long ago
along with Jackson Browne
and Harry Chapin
Croche, Stevens, John, Joel, and the telling
if roadkill could feel
it would be too real

I just wanted you to know
of a
precious place
Toronto

oh Toronto, such a dream you were
froze me out one bitter December
oh Toronto, I remember her
and the kids, all we did
never ends
oh Toronto, holding my best friends
and worst enemies
taught me of the birds and the bees
and cruelties
oh Toronto, I dream I'm still there
is it a nightmare?
Toronto
my dear
Toronto
I'm still here
you're still there
Toronto
everywhere

the soundtrack of a life
plays in a broken loop
somewhere in time
far away
kept away
such a crime

and just like the late show
I passed that point long ago
along with Sarah Mac
and Tom Chapin
Denver, fill in the blanks and the telling
like the Hotel California
desperado never left ya
cant forget ya

and wherever I go
I just wanted you to know
of a
precious place
Toronto

I just wanted you to know
I still love you
Toronto

- Ode