Rainbows on the Brain/Poem/Bette Wolf Duncan

Rainbows on the Brain

(Even cowboys get the blues.}

It’s only an illusion,

paintin’ colors on the rain.

It’s only self-delusion

paintin’ rainbows on the brain.

So many times I rode away

and every time I swore

I wouldn’t rainbow-ride again

like I’d done before.

But then I’d get a letter

or we’d share a kiss or two..

Enough t’ keep me rainbow-ridin’

like I’d always do.

Just rainbow ridin’ like a fool

and dreamin’ that it’s true...

that this time I would find again

the Eden we once knew.

It’s only an illusion,

paintin’ colors on the rain.

It’s only self-delusion

paintin’ rainbows on the brain.

There’s such a sparkle in the rain-

hypnotic drops of dew-

that sets the mind t’ dreamin’

that the one you love is true.

But it’s only an illusion

that the bitter winds soon rend;

and I have come to realize

that even rainbows end.

But I’m grateful now for thunder

and the blindin’ drops of rain

‘cuz they help to hide the teardrops

caused by rainbows on the brain

© 2001, Bette Wolf Duncan, revised 2010

 This poem may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.