Eric Hisaw

What it means to be free

Cheap Mexican mandolin cradled in his palms
sitting on the bed of a pick up making up songs
to the rhythm of a far away train
or the rumble of thunder promising rain
in the Dona Ana sky the stars shine bright
untainted by the glow of city lights
there's no reason to wonder if this is where
he's supposed to be
maybe that's what it means to be free

Old man told them there's a paddle boat down by the day
for just a few bucks they could take it for the day
he's glad to see them out cause business been slow
no one comes around much when the lake gets this low
they rowed their way out to a lonely piece of shore
a chance to be alone like they'd never been before
there's no reason to wonder if this is where he's supposed to be
maybe that's what it means to be free

took a deep breath let the blood go back to his head
smiled at the pretty girl laying next to him in bed
felt good to smile and good to be alive
nice to have some one he could trust by his side
he'd been playing a game of boy versus world
didn't have to use that marlboro man swagger on this girl
theres no reason to wonder if this is where he's supposed to be
maybe that's what it means to be free