I Can't Sleep

an ode to my mom

in the world beneath the water
everything is right side up
everything looks the same
as if you were here

in the world beneath the water
the trees can talk
the geese can walk
the dogs salute

in the world beneath the water
all the men wear top hats
and take them off to say hello
to the saluting dogs

in the world beneath the water
the ladies all have parasols
and they spin them right round
this way, that way, this way

in the world beneath the water
all the squirrels are card sharks
and you need to watch your stack
before you make a bet, they play for keeps

in the world beneath the water
bears are in their rightful place
owners of the butcher shops
purveyors of fine meats

in the world beneath the water
there is a story of a king
who lives off in a far land
and is kindly and old

in the world beneath the water
all the girls are princesses
all the boys are princes
and they all can wear pants

in the world beneath the water
singing is the coin of the realm
and knowing your do rey mi 
is muy importante

in the world beneath the water
i stroll along in the park
and when i want an ice cream
i turn to Patsy Cline

in the world beneath the water
my best friend is an old oak
who tells the best stories
as i eat a vanilla cone in his shade

in the world beneath the water
you never left, you are writing your book
sitting under the apple blossom tree
her name is Frances too

in the world beneath the water
i am who you thought I could be
i did in fact grow up 
i became a person you could see

in the world beneath the water
there is no death you see
there is only life
the streets are made of platinum

in the world beneath the water
wizards are politicians
and they make everything we need
with their wizardly ways

in the world beneath the water
everyone has their way
their path to grow further up
their road to grow further in

in the world beneath the water
i am the only one awake
i never could fall asleep you see
and in total loneliness i embed

in the world beneath the water
i am etching myself into the glass
i am the logo fading from the mug
i am all things at once

in the world beneath the water
i am nothing but a wisp
i know that a wisp is a vapor
i know that a vapor still stings

in the world beneath the water
i look up to the people in the world
as they walk in their real world
and i am reaching for the surface

in the world beneath the water
there is only dancing
there is only dancing
there is only silly dancing

in the world beneath the water
i am at once and instant
i am undone by the memory
i am put back together