Purple Hemp

Inspired by a young couple on a cold day downtown

PURPLE HEMP

Begging on knees
once more, again,
my trusted, rusted,
Volkswagen,
to take me safely
where I never been;
a warm heart
and mind that's open-

to my faded, black,
Grateful Dead Tee,
some worn and torn,
blue favorite jeans.
A heart and soul,
both basically clean,
and crazy mind
with distant dreams-

of a hippie chick
in purple hemp,
long, wavey hair
a little unkempt.
The light in her eyes
not nearly spent,
back from somewhere
she never went-

in a feeble attempt
to escape the cold
of those who fear
leaving the fold.
Their silence screaming
what she's been told;
nobody cares
if she comes or goes.

Two freezing souls
search for the warmth
they hope to find
in the other's arms,
while escaping reach
of crashing harm
with careful steps
and lucky charms.

Can't keep secret
what's in my head,
with just one look
it's all been read.
Please understand,
I have this dread-
I'm going to die
before I'm dead.

So stand by me
until that end,
together we
fight, to fend
off the anger,
so bitterly sent;
      with what one borrows
            and the other has lent.