🎤 “I Was Never Yours to Keep (Rhonda’s Ballad)”

⸻ [Verse 1] You saw moonlight on my whiskers, Thought it meant I’d settle down. But wild hearts don’t make promises, We just slip in and out of towns. You offered warmth in a paper bag, Said my snarl looked kind of sweet— But kindness makes me nervous, love, So I bolted on twitchy feet. ⸻ [Verse 2] You gave me half your chili fries, A warm lap by a drive-thru bin, And I heard you hum some Springsteen Through the rust and the engine din. I almost curled up on your dashboard, But comfort makes me flee— I’m the queen of second chances Who never sticks around to see. ⸻ [Chorus] I was never yours to keep, Just a shadow in the alley of your sleep. I loved you in the moment, Then I vanished like a breeze— Not ‘cause I didn’t feel it— I just got scared of peace. ⸻ [Verse 3] You weren’t like the rest of ‘em, You didn’t flinch when I stole your toast. You laughed when I used your hoodie To haunt the ghosts I fear the most. But I saw the shape of “forever” In your broken porch light’s glow, And I knew I had to break it Before it told me not to go. ⸻ [Bridge – Rhonda’s Defense] And that shopping cart? It was an accident— I found a donut and climbed inside. The wheels gave out on a downhill slope, I screamed your name the whole damn ride. Past squirrels, past pigeons, through traffic cones— I crashed near a singing mime. You thought I left on purpose, babe… But powdered sugar stole my time. ⸻ [Middle Eight – Vulnerable Confession] I don’t do well with “always,” Or folks who hold me right. But I saved your love in a button tin I tuck beneath the night. You were soft like an evening drizzle, Safe like Sunday stew— And if I ever come back empty… I’ll be lookin’ just for you. ⸻ [Final Chorus] I was never yours to cage, Just a flash in your rearview, dodgin’ rage. I kissed your scars with tenderness, Then I hit the road alone— Still humming that song You sang in broken tones. ⸻ [Outro – Spoken, soft with ache] (But Craig… If you find a blanket that smells like me… Keep it. It’s the only part I dared leave behind.)