My soul is a house with a flickering light,
A place I should visit only at night
But I linger inside through each hour of day,
Too fearful to leave, too scared to stray

For if I step out, who might wander in?
Or trace my path with a quiet grin?
Someone’s been here once, left it in shreds
I rebuilt the walls, repainted the threads

But you never broke the door,
You didn’t sneak across the floor
I led you in, I gave you the key,
I said, “What’s mine is yours with me.”

You smiled and said you’d always stay,
But forever’s not what I could say
The thought alone had made me shake,
My hands grew cold, my ribs would ache

I had no reason I could show,
No proof except my urgent “No.”
And so I packed your things with care,
And said, “My soul is mine to bear.”

I asked you gently not to call,
Not to return, not touch the walls
But still I see where you once stood,
The echo of you in grain and wood

Your footprints marked the fragile floor,
Your scent still clings behind the door
No matter how I wash or clean,
The stain you left will still be seen

I locked each window, shut each shade,
Afraid of how much love can fade
I stay inside, I don’t invite,
For history burns, and I’ve learned fright

No knocks, no keys, no turning back,
I keep my soul beneath its cracks
It’s mine alone, I roam no more,
Not when I’ve seen what came before