Soft Exit

You were talking by the kitchen light

I was halfway to the door

Someone changed the record twice I don’t remember what for

Your coat was on the empty chair mine was underneath I could

stay another hour

I could leave before you see

No scene

no last word

no reason to explain

Just the bass

through the wall

and somebody calling your name

I’m making a soft exit before the lights come on

Leaving while the room still thinks I’m somewhere in the song

No goodbye no regret no turning it into more

I’m making a soft exit

closing nothing but the door

Soft exit

soft exit

(don't stop) Don’t stop the music

Soft exit

Taxi lights across the ceiling

two drinks sweating on the sink

You were laughing with somebody

I was trying not to think

There are nights that need an ending

there are nights you let dissolve

Not everything that disappears is asking to be solved

No scene

no last word

nothing left to prove

Just the kick

under my feet

and the elevator moving

Floor twelve

floor nine

floor six

floor three

Your party getting smaller

above me

Floor two

floor one

Doors open

Cold air

And suddenly

I can hear myself again

I made a soft exit

before the morning knew

Left the music in the building

left the almost-things with you

No goodbye no regret

nothing broken on the floor

Just a soft exit and the city outside the door

Don’t stop the music.