Brass Shadows

Late train hum and a half-lit page I count small storms in

the window frame

I wore my doubts like a coat in July Too warm to

keep, too familiar to untie Street signs lean like they know my

name Rain on the curb keeps time with the shame I make

a map from the breaks in my sleep Hide little truths where

the low tones creep Every red light feels patient and wise Holding

me still while the old self slides I move slow through the

midnight air Hands in my pockets,

weight everywhere Still got a spark that I never sold Still got

a heart under all this cold If I bend,

I don't break tonight I keep one flame in the fading light

Phone screen glow on the side of my face Names I don't

call still taking up space My mistakes got style when they walk

in line Clean white teeth and a borrowed shine But I know

the sound of a real floorboard The kind that groans when you're

finally honest, Lord So I let that ache play out in tune

Black coffee dawn and a pale grey moon Maybe the night don't

owe me grace Maybe I build it face to face Maybe this

bruise is a door I can use I move slow through the

midnight air Hands in my pockets,

weight everywhere Still got a spark that I never sold Still got

a heart under all this cold If I bend,

I don't break tonight I keep one flame in the fading light

(ooh) One flame in the fading light Morning comes plain,

no grand design

Just one clear step,

and the rest is mine