Closeout Meeting / River Still Running

[Verse 1] The fiddle held one long last note and came in with us through the door The secretary read the motions slow final actions for the floor Coffee gone cool in a white paper cup wet boots lined up by the mat Minutes squared and tucked in a folder names checked off just like that [Pre-Chorus] Chair legs scrape and jackets fold one light stays on in the hall We all nod once we know the list we know what’s left after all [Chorus] Close the book and stack the chairs Leave the last light burning there Minutes filed and morning coming River still running, river still running Close the book and stack the chairs Leave the last light burning there Minutes filed and morning coming River still running, river still running [Verse 2] Unresolved items written plain no tidy cover no disguise A cracked front step a ride for Tom the winter wood by the rise They say check in tomorrow same hour same room I watch the cups and the folded pens and the slow dark gather soon [Pre-Chorus] Now the room has less to hold less to hide and less to prove The secretary drops the form and speaks the truth we all can use [Chorus] Close the book and stack the chairs Leave the last light burning there Minutes filed and morning coming River still running, river still running Close the book and stack the chairs Leave the last light burning there Minutes filed and morning coming River still running, river still running [Bridge] Mary needs rest not another call Eli needs help with the fence June needs a hand with the heavy crate and time makes no pretense We’re not done we’re just done here and that’s the honest part What still has to change will take more hands and a steady heart [Final Chorus] Close the book and stack the chairs Leave the last light burning there Minutes filed and morning coming River still running, river still running Close the book and stack the chairs Leave the last light burning there Minutes filed and morning coming River still running, river still running [Outro] The room goes soft the door clicks shut river hush before the dawn Three banjo notes half a warning now rocking small and almost gone