[VERSE I] Stepped into the thinning glare. Air clenched tight around my name. Something rose in the warped light— a version of me I never claimed. [PRE CHORUS I] It aligned with my stance, breathing what I breathed. [CHORUS] PENUMBRA— the almost me wants my place. Half made, but hungry for the space I fill. If I hold this line too long, it’ll carve its way through me and wear my skin with pride. [VERSE II] It moved with a delayed snarl, time refusing to serve it clean. Carried the weight of choices I dodged, paths I killed before they could breathe. [BREAKDOWN] Light collapsing— lines collapsing— my form slipping out of command. It stands solid, built from everything I denied. Teeth bared, claiming the place I held. If I don’t strike now, I dissolve. If I don’t strike now, it becomes me. [FINAL CHORUS] PENUMBRA— the almost me claws for reign. Half made, but vicious in the narrowing glow. If I stay in this tightening line, I won’t return as the self I carried. I’ll return as the one that won. [SECOND SWING] PENUMBRA— it’s taking what I wouldn’t face. Half made, but rising where my limits show. If I give one breath too much, it’ll lock my name inside its frame and walk out wearing mine.
