SHADOWS I CAN'T SHAKE

 

Shadows I Can’t Shake

I’m haunted by a shiver,

A whisper in my bones—

Will I ever trust your heart

To be more than jagged stones?

I’m haunted by a shiver,

A doubt that won’t unwind—

When you drift through darkened dreams,

What ghosts of yours will I find?

I’m wary of your shadow,

I’m wary of your shade,

I’m wary of the weight you carry,

The debts you’ve left unpaid.

I lie with one ear listening,

Breath locked until the light.

I’m no fragile thing to shatter,

But I brace for sudden flight.

You loomed with steel in hand,

Your eyes a stranger’s flame.

It’s no balm you don’t recall,

No peace you’ve changed your name.

I’ve no words to bridge this chasm,

No spell to make it right.

Your rage is a restless hunter,

And I’m its prey by night.

I’ve no words to tame the silence,

So I swallow every sound.

I sweep the floor, I lock the door,

And keep my gaze to the ground.

There’s nothing left to tell you,

There’s nothing left to try,

There’s nothing but this quiet ache,

This spark that won’t comply.

I lie with one ear listening,

Breath locked until the dawn.

I’m no fragile thing to shatter,

But I’m scarred and battle-worn.

You loomed with steel in hand,

A vow to carve my end.

It’s no balm you’ve lost that moment,

No cure that we pretend.

It’s no cure that we’ve pressed forward,

No cure that we’ve survived,

No cure for shadows I can’t shake,