Marigolds

Marigolds
I walked with Mary
And I held her hand
We were spurred on by wonder
At a perfect made plan
We wondered at a love
We didn't understand
Some days we'd crawl
And on others we'd run
Move down mountain to valley
To move up another one

But the walking got harder
And it cut up our feet
Some days I'd carry Mary
And some she'd carry me
But carrying can't keep
A love that can't stay
Trailing bright yellow marigolds
As it went away
Gleaned like sheaves by the barrelful
At the death of the day
Before our paths parted
We slept by a pond
We wept big, toothy tears
All wrapped round in arms
I kept calling for Mary
Long after she'd gone
But calling can't keep
A love that can't stay
Blooming bright yellow marigolds
On the banks where we lay
Gleaned like sheaves by the barrelful
And then floated away
Now some nights I wander
In search of my best friend
Like love in clearing
Beautiful and blest
And always Mary reminds me
To retrace my steps
"Sweetest friend, how I love you.
Now retrace your steps."