just once
and for a little while
come back into this quiet –
into the place
(that is your place)
where arms are opened wide
just once
remember what it was
that brought you near to me
remember how it was to hold –
to know again
(to breathe)

just once
let doubts be doubted
let your compass
guide you home
tis more than brick and mortar –
a voice beyond your own
a light returned
(to light within)
as memory falls between
to wake beyond the morning
unremembered by the dream

one last hello to linger
on these lips beyond goodbye
just once –
and then I’ll ask no more
(but what I keep inside)
reminded of tomorrows
never meant for us to keep
(just one more life beyond this life)
one prayer before I sleep

let sunlight fade
and midnight slow –
this hour – this choice – this breath
til all that was is fell away
and (promise) sealed in death
just once let this –
familiar touch
another touch reveal
would garner you salvation –
beyond the weight you feel

for this –
and not for others
would I grieve or would I die
(just once) and then
I’ll make my peace
with moments we deny