Reclamation Day came and went, I missed the beginning Woke to empty rooms and a bottle still spinning Streamers on the ceiling, laughter long gone A robot said, “Good luck,” then it carried on I stepped to the door where the bright light fell No band played loud, no farewell bell Just wind in the hills and a sky stretched thin Like the world moved on and forgot I’d been I’m late, I’m late to the leaving line Boots on dirt where there were once signs Everybody gone where I’ve never been Reclamation Day came and went, I missed the beginning Followed her voice through a tape and a hiss Said, “Build it back better than whatever this is” But towns were quiet and the roads ran cold Just stories in terminals doing what they’re told A firehouse empty, a badge on the floor A note on the wall says “Not anymore” Folks tried hard, you can see it plain But trying don’t always outlast the pain I’m late, I’m late to the leaving line Chasing ghosts through a faulted design Everybody fought and nobody wins Reclamation Day came and went, I missed the beginning Saw a light one night on a far-off ridge Thought maybe I’d found me a living bridge But it flickered out like a half-spent spark Just me and the hills and a talking dark Now I walk these roads with a borrowed plan Not the first to try, not the last who can If there’s something left, I’ll find my part Even if I’m late with a ready heart I’m late, I’m late but I’m moving still Past the broken towns and the silent mills If the world’s been lost, I’ll walk it again Reclamation Day came and went… I’ll make my beginning
