Last Cup on the Counter

Your cup is on the counter

Lipstick on the rim

Calendar still frozen

On the day everything dimmed

I walk the same old hallway

Pretending you’ll call out

Swear I hear your laughter

Then the silence shouts

I still set a place for you at the table

Talk into the air like you’re just running late

Carry all the words I never was able

Fold them like the napkins that you used to straighten straight

You’re gone

But you’re everywhere I go

Mama

I’m learning to miss you slow

Your sweater on the armchair

Sleeves still holding shape

I keep your favorite station

Just a little out of place

I drive past that clinic

Windows look the same

Pull over in the parking lot

And whisper your name

I still set a place for you at the table

Talk into the air like you’re just running late

Carry all the words I never was able

Fold them like the napkins that you used to straighten straight

You’re gone

But you’re everywhere I go

Mama

I’m learning to miss you slow

Some days I’m angry

Some days I’m small

Some days I feel you

In nothing at all

But when I start breaking

Right there in the store

I feel your old patience

Guide me to the door (hey)

I still set a place for you at the table

Talk into the air like you’re just running late

Carry all the words I never was able

Fold them like the napkins that you used to straighten straight

You’re gone

Yet you live in all I know

Mama

I’m learning to let you go

Mama

I’m learning to miss you slow