#119 THE TOWER OF GOODBYE
#119 THE TOWER OF GOODBYE
[Americana (bluegrass-inflected)]
Small family room in the ER,
Snowy, cold morning just before dawn.
Three long-faced men in scrubs just told me,
They'd tried their best, but you were gone.
They say take comfort -- it was instant,
Car going the wrong way on the freeway.
Inside I'm thinking -- simply won't allow this,
You and I have so much more to say.
First light, walking angry in late spring,
Try and outwork the urge to scream.
Then that night without warning,
A white tiger joined me in a dream.
We stood atop a great mountain,
Gazed down at the land below.
She pointed out the places and the paths,
And told me where I had to go
She said Past the Ruins of Surrender,
Beyond the Forest of Farewell.
There you'll find the place where loved ones,
On their final journey, for a moment dwell.
Where The River of Forever,
Meets The Ocean of No More.
Smell the salt air, hear the gulls,
As you stand upon the shore.
Turn away from that vast ocean,
Look left and raise your eye.
Now behold before you,
The Tower of Goodbye.
Ice-blue, tall and silent,
You must climb this tower.
At the top will be your wife,
Together you're allowed one hour.
I woke up, no sign of the tiger,
Dripping sweat, pounding in my chest.
With shaking hands and teer-filled eyes,
And racing mind, I got slowly dressed.
It's been over four long days now,
Only restless, troubled sleep.
One night sleeping pills, one night whiskey
But nothing takes me deep.
So the very next time I am dreaming,
Nightly rest, naps in the afternoon.
Know this my darling Rosalee,
I promise: I will see you soon.
When I make it to that tower,
No one will stop my grieving.
Once we're together, I'm holding you,
Best believe -- I will not be leaving.