I was dressed for bed when the ceiling split And the stars came spilling through. Something wearing my expression Was ducking out of view. So I chased it past a crooked moon, Sent a violet warning wide. Every shadow that I scattered Found another place to hide. Then I heard a laugh I recognized Behind a golden door. I had called it “too much” years ago It didn’t laugh much anymore. Come out, come out, wherever I am! You’re coming along for the ride. I’ve got two little suns in the palms of my hands, And nobody’s staying outside. Blow the locks off, let the walls fall, Let the whole sky open wide. Come out, come out, wherever I am There’s room for you inside. Found my temper throwing furniture Around a satellite. Found my courage in a cupboard, Being terribly polite. Found the part that wanted holding With a kingdom of its own. All those empty velvet couches All that space to sit alone. There were labels in my handwriting: “Too loud.” “Too soft.” “Too strange.” I took aim at all the little locks. They didn’t need to change. Come out, come out, wherever I am! You’re coming along for the ride. I’ve got two little suns in the palms of my hands, And nobody’s staying outside. Blow the locks off, let the walls fall, Let the whole sky open wide. Come out, come out, wherever I am There’s room for you inside. The smallest shadow wouldn’t move. It watched the others go. “If I come with you,” it whispered, “Will you hide me when they know?” I set the pistols gently down And sat there on the floor. “You don’t have to make me proud. You don’t have to guard the door.” It reached for me with shaking hands. I knew that little face. I couldn’t promise no more hurt I could promise it a place. Now I’m upside down above the world, Black curls around my eyes. My laughter’s loose, my nerve is back And look how well we fly! Come out, come out, wherever I am! We’re taking the long way tonight. With a bow at my collar and stars in my hands, I’m bringing us all for the ride. Blow the locks off, let the walls fall, There is nothing left to hide. Come out, come out, wherever I am There’s room for you inside. Still in my socks. Halfway to dawn. I went looking for a monster And brought the whole house home.
