A Line I Send

The clock moves past the hour A strip of light falls down the hall I write a line then change a word Then sit and read it once more Outside, the trees are nearly bare Rain gathers on the street I don't need the perfect sentence I need one that sounds like me So here's a line I send tonight With nothing hidden underneath I heard the kindness in your words I felt the part that troubled me Both can stay; I won't erase One to make the other fit No need to write tonight I've said what I came to say The screen goes dark beside the cup The room is growing dim Rain taps lightly at the glass The trees shift in the wind The past can keep its photographs The present has its say I don't have to settle everything Before the night gives way So here's a line I send tonight With nothing hidden underneath I heard the kindness in your words I felt the part that troubled me Both can stay; I won't erase One to make the other fit No need to write tonight I've said what I came to say If you write back, I'll read it When I'm ready, when I can If nothing comes across the screen The night will still move on The leaves gather by the curb The rain runs down the pane I've said what I came to say And don't need to say it twice So here's a line I sent tonight No perfect ending tucked inside I heard the kindness in your words I felt the part I couldn't hide Both can stay; I won't erase One to make the other fit No need to write tonight I've said what I came to say The screen goes dark The rain lets up I leave the phone beside the cup A strip of light falls down the hall The evening settles over all