Flickering Lights

[Verse]

A spark took hold; my first cry split the night.

My mother cupped her hands around its light.

She sang off-key, then laughed against my cheek;

Her heartbeat answered what I couldn’t speak.

Each birthday left a notch beside the door;

I stood on tiptoe, always wanting more.

One dawn, I caught the first train out alone,

Convinced that I could make the world my own.

[Pre-Chorus]

I called it freedom, leaving love behind,

As though a bond were only there to bind.

Her waving hand slipped out of sight;

Beyond the glass, the world burned bright.

[Chorus]

Flickering lights ... set the skyline ablaze;

Life felt too vast to be measured in days.

Let joy leave me breathless and grief carve its mark;

I’d chase each horizon from morning till dark.

With my eyes on the distance, my back to the door,

I thought being alive ...

meant there had to be more.

[Instrumental break]

[Verse]

We bought a house with walls all cracked and bare;

Our daughter drew a forest growing there.

As flowers from my mother’s wake turned brown,

My wife took all our wedding pictures down.

When she moved out, our girl remained with me

Still small enough to climb onto my knee.

[Bridge]

“Please stay until I fall asleep,” she said.

I sang that crooked tune beside her bed.

[Pre-Chorus]

Her fingers slowly loosened on my sleeve;

This time, I had no wish at all to leave.

I drew the blanket to her chin;

The love that raised me stirred within.

[Chorus]

Flickering lights ... let the coffee grow cold;

Tell me the story you’ve already told.

Let the world hurry by; we have supper to share;

The life I kept chasing has pulled up a chair.

I can’t make us endless; I’ll give you my time.

For now, let your small hand ...

lie warm inside mine.

[Interlude]

[Verse]

Age draws its river deltas on my skin;

Your fingers circle wrists grown pale and thin.

You tell me how your youngest learned to ride,

How far you ran before he left your side.

Then comes the tune that weathered everything;

That same wrong note ... I wouldn’t change a thing.

Once, I would sweep you laughing from the floor;

Now you lift the glass I can’t hold anymore.

[Pre-Chorus]

The ceiling blurs; I watch its edges fade.

I’m tired, darling ... more than I’m afraid.

“Stay till I sleep.” You draw me near;

Your heartbeat’s all I need to hear.

[Final Chorus]

Flickering lights ... let them soften and fade;

Remember the love, and the moments we made.

The song won’t be over when my part is through;

Though I won’t be here, I’ll still watch over you.

The air feels calm, the silence warm and clear;

All I’ve ever needed is finally here.

Outside, children laugh and shout;

One last smile ...

then this flame flickers out.

[Instrumental]

[End]