Headlights play light tricks

On trunks of trees as we pass

Brightening the bottom and forgetting the top

Leaving the branches

To fend for themselves

In the darkness that threatens to consume

I can feel the gravel beneath

The tires treading over ground

The music thudding to the rhythm of my heart

And we sing along

Like we always do

Turn up the volume

And let it fill the silence of this place

No words this time around

Just lyrics to fill our communication

The words we couldn't find to speak

I stare out the blackened window

Letting the wind outside fill my body

The slightest vibration of a guitar string

And my body echoes it

We smile

And I promise not to forget

But I don’t trust myself

Anymore than I trust you

Because I lack faith

In the heart of humanity

But maybe this time

We will remember

The way the headlights saved the trees

From complete impending darkness

Maybe this time

We will save humanity