Shards of Sand

Mixtape

1

You were the oldest
You are the oldest
Always looking out for him (and her)
Always kind, fair
So it feels so unfair
That he had to leave and I know
You don't understand why
But it is fair, especially so
Because you were the one there
When he had to go
And you know life goes on
However slow, it keeps going
Ebbing and flowing
And you, just keep on rowing.

1

It terrifies me
To imagine you watching it all
Unfold on a shaking screen
Of piercing pixels, the last memory
Streaming into your chest from a state away
But you know...he left in one piece
Because of you, your voice,
He was able to release
And maybe that will help ease
Your leaking heartbeats in your grief
Today, we're with you as you speak
Let's climb this one, step and reach
Keep your chin up
It'll be more than enough.

/

And you
I understand why
You've detached yourself
Turning away from reality
Because you don't want it to be so
You deny it to be so
I love you though I haven't known you
But this is something I know
It's a defense mechanism
I recognize
I've done it often enough and the world you see
Shimmering from your mind
Is not the world meant to be
For you to find
There's so much more
I saw in your hand that you adore
People--love--are worth fighting for.

4

Hey golden rapunzel
Maybe you don't fully understand
All that's happened
On your journey to Bremen
It's just an emptiness isn't it
An emptiness
Even the greatest journey can't distract from
Even the bravest heroes
Can't save you now
And even the scariest houses
Can't scare away the fear deep down
Don't you worry about the future
Your mind is quick, I know
You'll be alright just keep
Smiling, keep shining,
And dreaming tonight.

/

Hey there, sing a song
And don't stop
Because it's something inside
You can't and won't ever lose
I swear, it's true
Don't ever close those hazel eyes on me
The way they swell with confusion
Give this song another listen
Like tender wind in sails been through seas too rough
Close your eyes
I know times are getting hard
Kid, you'll bounce back, you always get back up
Don't let these oceans sting your love shut
You've got a heart that can't be jammed stuck
So jam on, don't worry bout the distance
But just believe me
Make believe but not too much
My word is good but not enough
Perhaps to convince you of all this stuff
You'll find answers when you find the truest love.

1

Hi darling
When you get older
Surely you'll wonder
Who he was, and I hope
You get answers but I'm not sure
If you will, so maybe
When you get older
You'll just know
He loved you
The way you love being carried
The way you smile so sweetly
The way you hold on
And don't let go
The way your hair settles softly
When the wind blows
Stay warm stay happy
That's the way to go exactly,
Exactly right,
And I can't believe you're taking flight
Spread your wings
But don't climb too high
Don't grow up too fast--there's time,
So take it, stand, and rise.

6

Thank you
For always having jokes
And a smile ready,
For shooting hoops
Or playing cards
Or whatever we wanted to do
Thank you
For your wit
For your time
For your planning and care,
Patience and mind
Thank you
For giving graciously
For winning selflessly
For caring recklessly

For loving endlessly.

Mixtapes never change.