“Carlisle Wheeling”

In a long and involved conversation with myself
I saw precious things come into view
When I poured through the files taken off my mental shelf
I dusted off some memories of you

Then I thought about the time when our affair was green
How the phoenix of our love first flapped its silken wings
All the urgency and passion of each new day as it happened
And how it all mellowed as it grew

I remembered the times that our laughter would explode
And how you would turn to hide your smile
Then the hours of silence while the perfumed candle glowed
And both our thoughts meandered on for miles

I remembered the time I said I really had to go
I remembered the tears that filled your eyes
Then I touched your hand and told you that it really was a lie
And though you never knew it, dear, I cried

It’s amazing how time can so softly change your ways
And make you look at things that can’t be seen
How the years that roll by can start you listening
Not just to what they say but what they mean

So forgive me, my dear, if I seem preoccupied
If the razor edge of youth-filled love is gone
But we’re both a little older, our relationship has grown
Not just in how it’s shaped but how it’s shown

So forgive me, my dear, if I seem preoccupied
If the razor edge of youth-filled love is gone
But we’re both a little older, our relationship has grown
Not just in how it’s shaped but how it’s shown


  1. The Monkees: The Day-by-Day Story of the ’60s TV Pop Sensation (2005), Andrew Sandoval, p. 287.
  2. Missing Links Volume 1 (1988) (CD).