DEAD

Raymond

My favorite song is the one that played

when you drove around the baseball diamond

at midnight. 

Streetlight specks above and below,

we're cruising through a galaxy.

It's only backwoods Jersey - the same we've known 

since 2001. 

I want to sit shotgun with you 

to the Space Coast, Palm Coast,

but fate forbids me to leave these cold pines. 

I'm right-brained

and you're left

with the warmth and wonder

 of Southern hospitality

I've tried to be a North Star

but I've lost sense of direction. 

And I'm lost, looking at the Atlantic.

And you're a thousand miles away, 

making new friends. 

I can press the pedal, 

but too afraid to take the wheel.

Haven't done it in years. 

The reason why

you're happier than I am, little brother. 

You have the courage 

to drive away from here.