Empty Shoes

Your little shoes by the door

Still scuffed from the floor

I can’t move them yet

I can’t close that drawer

Your blanket still folds

Like your sleep never left

I catch my breath in the hall

And the whole house goes quiet

I still set out your cup

Still turn down your light

My hands keep reaching

For the shape of you at night

Oh, my child, my child

I keep calling your name

Oh, my child, my child

And the room stays the same

I hold the air where you were

I hold the air so tight

Oh, my child, my child

Come home in my mind

The swing in the yard

Moves when the wind passes through

I swear I still hear

Your laugh in the blue

Your crayon on the wall

Your mark on the frame

I trace every line

And I say your name

I still set out your cup

Still turn down your light

My hands keep reaching

For the shape of you at night

Oh, my child, my child

I keep calling your name

Oh, my child, my child

And the room stays the same

I hold the air where you were

I hold the air so tight

Oh, my child, my child

Come home in my mind

If love could make a door

I’d open it wide

If tears could bring you back

You’d be here by my side

Till the last day finds me

I will carry your tune

Little one, little one

I am still with you

Oh, my child, my child

I keep calling your name

Oh, my child, my child

And the room stays the same

I hold the air where you were

I hold the air so tight

Oh, my child, my child

Come home in my mind