Coastline on My Palm

Coastline on my palm
Your city fits inside my hand

You say Lisbon, I say Harare
We find a few words we both know
You laugh because I count in English
Then lose the count when you step close
I offer you the space beside me
You nod and take my open hand
The drums leave gaps for us to answer
We get one little turn to land

Ask me once, I'll say it clearly
Yes, I'd like another dance

Coastline on my palm
Your fingertip is taking me home
Different words, the same slow smile
Stay inside this song a little while

Again?
Again

Again?
Again

Again?
Again

Again?
Again

My flight is noon, yours leaves on Tuesday
I trace the shore where I would swim
You show the road your mother walks
I try the name; you help me with it
Your hand stays open while I show you
Mine stays warm against your thumb
I check the time and feel the ticket
There's just an hour before I run

Coastline on my palm
Your fingertip is taking me home
Different words, the same slow smile
Stay inside this song a little while

I had a speech behind my teeth
Too many words to get them right
So I ask, "An hour before you go?"
You say, "Yes. I know a place"

Coastline on my palm
Your city fits inside my hand
The song will end; we made a plan
You write your number where the coastline ran

Coastline on my palm
Again?
Again