Don't Move the Chair

Don't Move the Chair
Don't Move the Chair

Dining room finally painted
Bills paid early for a change
Chair by the end is wood-glued
Still I flinch when good things stay
Family laughing over dinner
I keep waiting for the sound
Of some unseen hand arriving
To knock everything we built back down

Don't Move the Chair, let good stay ordinary
Don't Move the Chair, I'm done being wary
I kept bracing for loss and missed who was sitting there
Don't Move the Chair, let me learn to care

My little girl climbs into it
Juice box balanced on her knee
Chair holds steady, table shakes
She asks why I'm staring silently
I say nothing, kiss her forehead
Look around at what is here
Maybe the way to honor good things
Is not spending them on fear

Fear can make gratitude
Feel like a countdown

Don't Move the Chair, let good stay ordinary
Don't Move the Chair, I'm done being wary
I kept bracing for loss and missed who was sitting there
Don't Move the Chair, let me learn to care

I thought gratitude meant guarding
Every blessing from the end
I kept bracing for loss and missed who was sitting there
That chair repaired with wood glue was proof enough

Don't Move the Chair, let her laugh right there
Don't Move the Chair, leave the scuff and repair
I kept bracing for loss; now I'm finally aware
Don't Move the Chair, I'm here

Don't Move the Chair

Don't Move the Chair