Paris Wears the Autumn Gently

The river carries leaves beneath the willow rail

I take the longer crossing where the old stone bridge is pale

A postcard in my pocket, your handwriting turns soft

The ink has lost its edges, but I know each word by heart

The boats move slow as Sunday

The air tastes clean and thin

I thought I came to lose you

I find you settling in

Pedal swears the autumn gently

Gold along the waterline

I can hold the years between us

Without asking them to rewind

You were kindness in a season, I was young and passing through

Now the breeze can take the leaves and leave the good behind with you

A café shuts its blue doors, chairs turned upside down

A woman folds the awning as evening gathers round

I remember your quiet laughter

The cup between your hands

The way you said, be careful

As if care could make me stay

The river keeps its weather

The bridge keeps bearing weight

Some things are not forgiveness

Some things are simply late

Paris wears the autumn gently

Gold along the waterline

I can hold the years between us

Without asking them to rewind

You were kindness in a season

I was young and passing through

Now the breeze can take the leaves

And leave the good behind with you

If I could meet that younger man, I'd tell him not to run

The heart can close a chapter without denying what was done

And somewhere past the evening where the river turns from blue

I am grateful for the road that once led me to you

Paris wears the autumn gently

Gold along the waterline

I can hold the years between us

And let them rest in time

You were kindness in a season

A small light I carried through

Now the breeze can take the leaves

And leave the good behind with you

The last boat fades beneath the bridge

The evening settles true

I walk beside the river

And let the river keep you