Hold the Warmth

Morning leans across the floor Nothing asks to be explained Even empty walls remember Without asking me to stay I still know your quiet outline Not enough to walk it back Some doors keep a little kindness After learning how to close Every question slows its turning When I stop defending air Maybe silence kept this answer Where I couldn't force it free I can miss you without returning Hold the warmth and leave the flame Peace can stand beside the sorrow Neither has to change its name I am breathing Still becoming Room by room Breath by breath I called waiting something gentle When it asked me not to choose Now the quiet shows the difference Between mercy and delay Every path I never followed Still reflects a borrowed light But imagined homes stay perfect Only far beyond the door What I carried can stay precious Without asking me to kneel Hands release before the reasons Body learning what is real I can miss you without returning Hold the warmth and leave the flame Peace can stand beside the sorrow Neither has to change its name I don't need another ending Just enough to face this room Memory can keep its beauty Without borrowing my feet The next step is very small Still it changes where I stand Rest was never meant to hold me Only teach my lungs the way I can miss you without returning Hold the warmth and leave the flame Peace can stand beside the sorrow Neither has to change its name Morning finds the same old window I am not the same inside Breathing made enough of space now For tomorrow's gentle stride The room is still familiar I no longer disappear