Margin for Error

I left room this time.

I used to draw the line in ink

Now I sketch it light, let it bend

Routes overlap, times run thin

I tell myself it’s being efficient

The rules still stand — mostly do

I just don’t stand where I used to

I give myself a little space

In case something needs its place

Preparation isn’t fear

It’s knowing I might stay here

I leave a margin for error

I don’t call it loss of control

I just don’t fight the pressure

When the moment takes its toll

I don’t break

I don’t bend

I just don’t stop it in time

I pack two ways to end it now

Tell myself it’s caution, not doubt

Stay longer than the clock allows

Because leaving feels worse somehow

I don’t rush the final sound

I wait for quiet to come around

That wasn’t part of what I planned

But I didn’t pull my hand

If I wanted out, I could

That’s what control still means — I should

I leave a margin for error

Not chaos — just flexibility

If it gets messy, that’s pressure

Not a flaw in me

I don’t break

I don’t bend

I just don’t stop it in time

Just in case

Just in case

Just in case I need more

I leave a margin for error

I still say when it’s done

If it goes too far, that’s weather

Not the hand, just the gun

I don’t break

I don’t bend

I just don’t stop it in time

Next time, I’ll plan for it.