The rain faded suddenly, exactly as it came,
Clouds which defeated suns retreated just the same.
Leaving pools like shining jewels betraying lows and highs
Fading into shifting sands while staring at the skies
Some welcomed watered lawns and cupboards free from dust
Others only ever saw the damaged crops and rust
But she hung out another load
While he spread gravel on the road
And when their boots were neatly stowed
They sat and shared a crust
It’s only those who know the dry that know the joy rain brings
For what’s lost on the roundabouts is picked up on the swings.
Summer curled into the autumn as the days grew short
And evenings early hours now had little to report
The golden noise of bird and bee became a silent chill
While coolest greens and shadows turned to crimson on the hill
Many cursed the coming cold and railed against the night
Others revelled in the chance to pull the shutters tight
She took preserves from the store
He split timber – and cut more
And on the rug that warmed the floor
They shared the fire’s light
Autumns can take nothing that won’t come back in the Springs
For what’s lost on the roundabouts is picked up on the swings
When they only had each other, that was what they trusted
And children came like summer rain so lives were readjusted
What theyd saved and plans theyd made were quickly swept aside
And forgotten in a single puff of true parental pride
The house that was too big became the house that was too small
And they held on on and let it shrink and grow around them all
And when it came an empty nest
They took the chance to take a rest
And thought each other truly blessed
To live within those walls
For only those who’ve been so close can know how parting stings
And whats lost on the roundabouts is picked up on the swings
While their lives are simple, they are never left in need
And if they smile, it’s not because they have not disagreed
She had youthful dreams that faded into aging skin
While he wore settlers clothes over traveller within
So many that they know have chased their dreams and travelled far
So many searched so hard they don’t know who or where they are
They have held on to the claim
They’ll live together – die the same
And they can neither praise nor blame
The people that they are
They both took care to share their life, with all it takes and brings
And what’s lost on the roundabouts is picked up on the swings.
