Oranges and Roses

Here in California, the grass is green all winter.
And there’s mountains by the ocean,
And the sun is bright above.
Here among the millions with songs instead of children
And with oranges and roses,
I am lonesome for your love.
I met a man from Canada.
He came to look for answers
And all he found was questions,
So he turned and headed home.
Somewhere up in Canada the air’s a little colder.
But he needs a little contrast.
Some men need to be alone.
It’s a long night for a stranger, and I read my way to morning,
On the bed that I have borrowed,
From the kindness of a friend.
There are cars upon the highway,
There are pictures from the postcards.
There’s work to do tomorrow,
There’s a letter I must send.
I read a book of fantasy, of exile and survival.
There are heroes and there’s a prophet.
From a better space and time.
There are people I remember who are characters
From stories like the one that I am reading,
But they’re lost between the lines.
Here in California, the grass is green all winter.
And there’s mountains by the ocean,
And the sun is bright above.
Here among the millions with songs instead of children
And with oranges and roses,
I am lonesome for your love.