Take It Slow

Ruth Gerson
Stuck in the headlight, frozen in my light
Black eyes glowing white like embers
Braking hard, a blade in my heart
You're too young to know to run
And just like that, it's done
Breathless, starlit, staggering moon
I never meant to drive so fast
I'll take it slow from now on
Smaller, softer than ever imagined
Wrap you warmer in my jacket
Light as an infant dozing in my arms
I won't let you lie alone
Sleep in the back seat, I'll turn the heat on
Speechless, heartless, steadfast moon
Uturn back, unshape the past
I'll take it slow from now on
Stuck in the headlight, frozen in my light
Stopping quiet, stepping silent in the road
Air still between us, midnight, snowdust
You're too young to know, to young to know
And just like then, you run
Breathless, starlit, staggering moon
I never meant to drive so fast
I'll take it slow from now on