Wait for me down by the river.
The river's course will be exact.
In the current, whether torrent or calm, look for me.
There I will be waiting for you.

Under the menacing skies, my dear, you always seem so startled.
I cannot believe you have no voice beneath the waves.
Once you were young, cocksure, confident in your abilities.
Now you are old and stare at the fishbowl in a funny way.

Didn't I see you gathering heather and hollyhocks at the river's bank?
No? What then did I see you gathering? Surely there was something
You were gathering when I saw you standing at the river's edge.
Perhaps I was imagining you gathering something there.

So, then, what shall we do and where shall we go?
Tonight I am in the mood to watch the moon. No?
You say you are tired and just want to read a little
And get to bed early. I can see you are tired. Whatever you decide is fine.

I will go down to tthe basement and finish my little project.
I won't disturb you. You can read and brush your hair.
When I come up, I will kiss you good night. But you will be asleep by then.
I will be quiet and try not to wake you. That is something I am good at doing.

In the morning I may find you gone. The fog will be rolling in from the bog.
I will try not to worry and keep only good thoughts for you.
When you are walking to the river I will picture you as you once were
At the time of our engagement. I will try not to think how we have grown old

And cold to each other. There must be other things I can think on.
You go for your walk. When you return I will have everything ready.
The cofee brewing; the bread lightly toasted: the three minute egg
You adore. Take your time and don't hurry. I may just start without you

And then go back to my project in the basement. Oh, I know how foolish
You think my projects are; how a man has such silly hobbies and interests.
But they make me happy and they keep me out of your way.
Like I said, when you return I will have everything ready. Ready for you.