A Crown of Quiet Storms

[Intro — Syncopated guitars, marching timpani] [Verse 1 — Controlled, low clean voice] I learned to answer, “I am well.” I kept the hallway swept and still. I shook the hands that came to help And never let them past the sill. I made a rule for every tear, A proper hour, a locked-up place. They called me strong; I let them stay In love with my untroubled face. [Pre-Chorus — Pressure building] The tighter that I held the reins, The harder thunder shook the panes. [Chorus — Commanding soprano] A crown of quiet storms, I wear it through the day. It cuts me where it rests; I smile and turn away. Come closer to the door, Before the weather breaks. This crown of quiet storms Is more than I can take. [Verse 2 — Heavier guitars] A friend left bread upon the stair; I waited till her steps were gone. I ate it standing in the dark, Too proud to ask her to come home. The table shone, the silver gleamed, The sheets were folded into squares. I had a kingdom running well And no one living anywhere. [Chorus — Full, tense harmonies] A crown of quiet storms, I wear it through the day. It cuts me where it rests; I smile and turn away. Come closer to the door, Before the weather breaks. This crown of quiet storms Is more than I can take. [Breakdown — Brief female low growls] Too tight! Too long! I cannot hold it all! [Bridge — Sudden quiet, harp and dizi] I call her number twice, then wait. She answers. Nothing comes. She says, “I'm here.” I close my eyes. The first hard breath is done. [Final Chorus — Open, emotional soprano] A crown of quiet storms, I set it on the floor. My hands are shaking now; I cannot hide them anymore. Come closer to the door, I've turned the broken key. This crown of quiet storms Can fall away from me.