When I Saved Your Life

Love was always there, hiding in the walls, 
Trapped in the closets, curled up in the clothes tossed 
About your adolescent room.  You've forgotten 
The days when we played together, all the time, 
Just you and me. You had someone to look up to 
Back then, but not anymore; now life has molded 
You into something strong and dangerous, 
That doesn't look back, doesn't compromise, 
Fails to see the good in me.  It all reminds me  
Of what Joni Mitchell sang about paradise, 
How childhood can be a double-edged sword, 
So cherishable yet vulnerable to mistakes. 
I wish I could have foreseen where the future  
Would lead us; you and me, one in the same, 
Like we always were- two lost otters, drifting 
Apart from each other yet wanting to stay close. 
 
Sometimes when you wake up in the morning 
You can still hear me laughing, pretending 
To be some movie star, faded out through 
The solitude of a campground in the mountains, 
As I can still see you smiling in that Orioles t-shirt,  

Back when your health was good, 
Your bones were aglow and you wanted 
To follow me more than you wanted to lead. 
Once upon a time, the ocean took you 
Off your feet, toppled you off your sturdy feet, 

Plunged you into the sand, dared to drag you 

With her out into the silent waters; 
But I was with you, and I lifted you up, 
Out of the water and into the light 
Where you belong, once upon a time, 
When we were still brothers, 
When I saved your life. 

Mr. Robbins

Hello Mr. Robbins, how are you this evening? 
It's always nice to see you, in your old hat and weathered shoes. 
Another busy Saturday's night ahead of me, 
But how do you like your room? 
Is everything made the way you like it? 
Yes indeed, it's too bad we have no smoking benches outside. 
I'll inform management on Monday that you think we should. 
Here, let me wipe that off your face. 
Do watch out for the desk, we have 
A business to run here, and appearances are important. 
No, the owner is not a Russian spy 
And the guests next door haven't seen your toy cars. 
Have you taken your medicine, Mr. Robbins? 
You look a little pale. 
Let me get you a glass of water. 
How about you come along with me 
To lock up the hotel, make sure everything is safe, 
Like you used to do on your "security checks" 
When I first started working here. 
Oh yes, the night is young. 
I think I heard a party going on 
Down that hallway, ugh! 
Nobody understands, you aren't supposed to 
Party late at night in a hotel. 
You saw a shady man, passed out in the lounge? 
Dear me, I'll have to wake him. 
We can't be having his kind staying here. 
Thank you, Mr. Robbins, all is safe and sound. 
Do come see me in the morning 
Before I leave for home at sunrise. 
What's that, you'll come back down in an hour? 
Oh good, you'll be fit to keep me company 
For a good portion of my busy night. 
Bless you, Mr. Robbins.