When the Lights Went Out

The lights went out but I didn't
Let me tell it slow

Tuesday the meter ran out of grace
The fridge went quiet, the fan lost pace
Last note in my wallet already spent
On half a loaf and a piece of the rent
I sat in the dark on the kitchen floor
Couldn't tell the window from the door
The clock on the stove was dark like me
No numbers left to disagree

That night sat heavy on my chest
But listen, listen through the wall

What kept me here? A neighbour's radio
Playing low through the plaster, soft and slow
One candle, one glass, and my mother's name
When the lights went out, I stayed alight

Oh (still here)
Oh (still here)
The lights went out
But I didn't

I lit the stub of a birthday candle
Watched the little flame refuse to bend
The radio played some old highlife song
My neighbour hummed the chorus, humming along
Off-key and beautiful through the brick
Proof the night was survivable, and thick
I laughed in the dark, first laugh in weeks
Two strangers and a wall, singing cheek to cheek

What kept me here? A neighbour's radio
Playing low through the plaster, soft and slow
One candle, one glass, and my mother's name
When the lights went out, I stayed alight

A candle stub (thank you)
A song through the plaster (thank you)

The sun did not ask my permission to rise
It came up the wall in a slow surprise
Found me still sitting, candle done, glass dry
Warm on my face like an old friend's reply

If your wall is quiet tonight, be the radio
Hum for the stranger on the other side
One candle, one glass, and your mother's name
When the lights went out, I stayed alight

The power came back Thursday afternoon
I'd already found the light