A River With a Bank

[Verse 1]
I keep a list of names beside the kitchen sink
Each one a little weather I was sure I could outlast
I learn the shape of every crack before the glass can clink
Then wonder why my own two hands are shaking when I laugh

[Pre-Chorus]
I give the room my coat, my chair, the last warm piece of bread
I tell myself a heart can stretch forever if it’s kind
But every open door I hold for someone else to pass
Leaves one more room inside me I can’t find

[Chorus]
I can’t mend every heart by breaking mine in two
I can love you, still leave something whole for me
If I pour out every drop, what will I have to give?
Let care be a river with a bank, not a sea

[Verse 2]
You call at dusk; I know the silence in your voice
I stay until your breathing finds its slower pace
Then walk home carrying the weight of every choice
Like all the hurt I couldn’t lift has learned my face

[Pre-Chorus]
I used to think that leaving meant I loved you less
That saying “not tonight” would make the whole thing disappear
But tenderness can speak in limits, too
And I am learning how to keep you near

[Chorus]
I can’t mend every heart by breaking mine in two
I can love you, still leave something whole for me
If I pour out every drop, what will I have to give?
Let care be a river with a bank, not a sea

[Bridge]
Come as you are; I won’t pretend I’m made of stone
I’ll sit beside you, but I won’t become your home
Your grief is yours; my hands can hold, not take it all
I can answer when I’m able; I can rest before I fall

[Final Chorus]
I can’t mend every heart by breaking mine in two
I can love you, and keep a little room for me
We can carry what is ours and let the rest be held
Let care be a river with a bank, not a sea

[Outro]
One heart, still open
One heart, still mine