Let the Light Stay

I survived the dark, don’t take the morning.
Not now.
Not after this.

I had a room with the curtain pinned tight,
one cracked mug and a radio low.
Unpaid bills on the kitchen table,
dust drawing maps on the phone.
I kept my coat on in December
cause leaving felt safer than home.
Then you came in with your keys in your hand,
left your shoes by the kitchen door.
And the walls that used to close around me
let the sun across the floor.

Now the kettle clicks like thunder,
and my heart still ducks for rain.
I don’t know how to trust a blessing
when I’m used to losing names.

Let the light stay,
don’t let it leave me now.
Dark hands tried to close my mouth.
Keep the porch light burning in this house.

Oh-oh, hold on,
oh-oh, don’t fade.
If I found the morning,
let the morning stay.

One hand on the table,
one hand over my chest.
I don’t know how to keep good news
without rehearsing how it ends.

There are two toothbrushes leaning by the mirror,
one blue jacket on the chair.
Your laugh comes through the hallway
and catches me unprepared.
Steam fogs up the window,
you draw a smile in the glass.
I keep waiting for an ending,
but you keep pouring coffee back.
I still check the sky for warnings,
still count exits in my sleep.
You say, “baby, come to breakfast,”
and I almost start to weep.

’Cause peace feels dangerous when pain raised you,
like glass in a shaking hand.
But you kiss me in the doorway
and the room learns where to stand.

Let the light stay,
don’t let it leave me now.
Dark hands tried to close my mouth.
Keep the porch light burning in this house.

You
I keep trying not to need this,
like needing makes it leave.
I smile like I am steady,
then I hide the way I plead.
So I bless the cup and doorway
while today still breathes.

I don’t need a golden kingdom,
just a hand across the table.
If the storm knows where I’m living,
tell the storm I’m not available.

Let the light stay,
don’t let it leave me now.
Dark hands tried to close my mouth.
Keep the porch light burning in this house.

Oh-oh, hold on,
oh-oh, don’t fade.
If I found the morning,
let the morning stay.
Let the light stay.
I’m home now.