I Still Keep the Light On

The hallway glows at half past nine,

A little warmth, a little sign.

The bulb hums low, the air is thin,

Still waiting for you to walk in.

The neighbors sleep, the streets are cold,

The story’s told, but never old.

I keep the switch turned halfway bright,

Like memory refusing night.

I still keep the light on,

Though you won’t cross that door.

It’s not for hope, it’s just a way,

To feel you once more.

I still keep the light on,

A ghost I can’t ignore.

It doesn’t chase the dark away,

It just reminds me what it’s for.

I move around the quiet room,

The walls replay your favorite tune.

Every flicker feels like breath,

A small denial of your death.

I still keep the light on,

It hums your gentle tone.

Not for your feet to find their way,

But so I don’t feel alone.

I still keep the light on,

It’s how I say goodnight.

And though you’ll never see it shine,

It makes the dark feel right.