I used to wake to borrowed hours Clock already tickin’ in my ribs Alarm rang like a landlord Bangin’ hard against the door Every morning felt like I owed More than I could cover for Signed my name where they told me Kept it steady, kept it straight Told myself that’s how you get there Just hold on, don’t hesitate But I started keepin’ pieces Of the hours I could save Put a little room between me And the edge I used to brace I’m easin’ up the dock line Just a notch at a time Let the boat lean with the river Instead of holdin’ tight Gate don’t swing wide open But it don’t bite like before I ain’t headin’ out to nowhere Just not pinned to the shore Took the overtime they offered Turned it into something still Paid down fear in quiet payments Watched it lose a little will Skipped a truck I didn’t need Fixed what still had one more year Funny how a lighter load Makes a man stand up more clear When the boss man clears his throat It don’t land the way it did There’s a calm in knowin’ you could leave Even if you never quit I’m easin’ up the dock line Feel the rope give way Used to pull against the current Now I let it have its say Gate still groans at midnight But I don’t jump the same There’s a strength in knowin’ I could walk even if I stay Maybe it ain’t some finish Maybe it’s a slower breath Maybe it’s the space to linger Without stealin’ from what’s next I don’t need a big departure No one clappin’ when I’m done Just a light I switch off myself When I say the day is done Now I leave some days unmarked Let the calendar sit blank Work when it makes sense to Let the quiet fill the tank Talk with who I want to talk to Stay as long as it feels right If I go, it’s ’cause I meant to Not ’cause someone dimmed the light Yeah, I’m easin’ up the dock line Feels steady in my grip Wind can tug against me But it don’t decide my steps Gate ain’t hangin’ open But I know what moves the hinge That’s enough to let me breathe Loosin’ inch by inch Some folks run for someday I’m just makin’ room
