Tempering (from the Jar)

I feel the heat of your palms again Searching for a crack I’ll never show You think I’m the one keeping you in? I’m just the only boundary you know You’ve grown so fluent in the "goodbye" You’ve memorized the rhythm of the fall But I am the glass that’s been holding your sigh While you’re busy building the wall You say you’re terrified of being saved... I am the Jar, but I’m not the cage I’m the glass that caught your fire You call your fear a "weapon of light" But it’s just a funeral pyre You strike the match and blame the wood You pull the pin to feel the thud But your heart isn't glass, it’s raw steel in the mud And I am the Forge, I turn the heat into blood Stop scanning her face for the exit sign Stop stockpiling stones for the road You’re so busy writing the "ending" line You’ve forgotten how to carry the load You think you’ll crush what is clean and real? You think you’re a Midas of rust? I’ve been holding your heartbeat—it’s made of steel It’s the only thing I truly trust You shake me when you’re scared Because you’re terrified of the stillness But the fire isn't the enemy It’s just the heat for the Shield Set me down. Stop the flinch. Look at the hand that hasn't moved an inch. I am the Jar, and I’m letting you out Stop making a weapon of the light You aren't "too much" for the room to keep You’re just too used to the fight You strike the match and cry for the rain But I’m the Forge that absorbs the pain I am the shield that was hammered from your fear The steel is ready... if you’ll just stay here. It’s not too hot to hold. It’s just becoming gold.