Colors are breaking where shadows have been, Morning comes quietly under my skin. Something is rising from somewhere below, A strength I had buried, but somehow still know. The fog that surrounded me starts to divide, And something forgotten is waking inside. Then out of the darkness, A voice I have known, Calling me backward, Calling me home. Your summons is denied, I won’t follow you this time. You held me through the darkness, Then slowly stole the light. I once believed I needed you Just to make it through the night. No retreat into the shadows— Your summons is denied. “Come,” says the soldier, “You know who I am. I quieted the trembling when nobody can. I gave you your refuge, I softened the fall. Just reach out and take me—you know me, that’s all.” But every salvation demanded its due, And piece after piece, I surrendered to you. Your summons is denied, I won’t follow you this time. You held me through the darkness, Then slowly stole the light. I once believed I needed you Just to make it through the night. No retreat into the shadows— Your summons is denied. Bridge — stripped back My burning hand reaches back, Then slowly falls away. What once had been salvation Now smolders in decay. I finally know your name. I finally see your chains. You don’t own me anymore. I won’t surrender again. Your summons is denied, I won’t follow you this time. I walked with you through darkness, Now I’m stepping into light. You don’t command my hunger, You don’t occupy my mind. No retreat into the shadows— Your summons is denied. Roots anchored deep and free, Present in all that comes to be. You may call me from the darkness— But the choice is finally mine. Your summons is denied.
