Midnight By The River

I was feeling crazy

so I brought a few beers to the river

I parked near a house with blue Christmas lights

then stepped into the darkness

the trail next to the trestle bridge

I couldn't see much

but I didn't need to, really

I heard crittersand I felt the occasional spider web

but there's little to fear down by the river

on a chilly night

the beach was moist

but I didn't mind

I sat by a tree and opened a Spotted Cow

it was my roommate's beer

but he wouldn't mind

ever notice how you feel less lonely

once you're truly alone?

maybe because the distance feels unintentional

whereas walls have reasons

people tell me I'm too contrary

but people who aren't

the ones who go along to get along

well I've never been able to trust them

maybe that's why we always fight

with the ones we love

the water was calm

and there weren't any frogs

I wondered where they all went

usually this late they'd be out dancing

but not tonight

I could see the other side of the river

the buildings, the lights, the traffic

and then I saw it upside down in the water

shimmering, imaginary

a world where people didn't jump off bridges

they jumped into them

across the river lay shadows

and perhaps another me

or if not me, my complement

gazing across the water at my side of the river

wishing they were here