Frostlines in the Smoke

[Verse 1] Cracked ice on the rail Footsteps echo thin Like a ghost in shale The wind’s got teeth Sharp and sly It howls down alleys where shadows lie Lanterns swing on fraying cords A flicker A shiver A prayer ignored [Chorus] Frostlines in the smoke Breath turns brittle as the words you spoke Winter’s clutch It don’t let go— Frostlines in the smoke Frostlines in the smoke [Verse 2] Concrete whispers secrets low Drains hum hymns where the cold streams flow Wires buzz The static hums A choir of ghosts with frozen tongues Fingers numb The matches fail Frost climbs the glass A silver veil [Prechorus] The sky unravels Thread by thread A tattered quilt Where dreams are shed [Chorus] Frostlines in the smoke Breath turns brittle as the words you spoke Winter’s clutch It don’t let go— Frostlines in the smoke Frostlines in the smoke [Bridge] Your voice A specter Cuts the chill A phantom echo A haunting will Snow drifts pile on tired songs The streetlamp hums where I belong