Untitled

I kept repainting these cracked walls

Calling it progress

Smoke in the curtains again

You coughed

Said

"Is this worth it?"

I stacked plans like paper

Promises on the stove

Every "trust me

This time"

Caught a spark

Took hold

I kept burning our house down

Trying to turn our life around

Calling it love while it all fell out

Ash in your hair

And I was proud

I thought the flame meant something strong

When all you needed was me to listen to what you say

I finally put the matches down

You learned exits and excuses

Better than lullabies

Slept in shoes by the front door

Always half-ready to fly

You said

"I don't need miracles

Just somewhere clean to breathe"

I heard it like background noise

Not a warning meant for me

Now the wallpaper's peeling honest

Char marks on the frame

We walk through rooms I ruined

Call each black streak by its name

If I reach for that old rush

Pull my hand back to your face

You don't need another phoenix

You just need a safer place