I Leave the Porch Light On

[Verse 1]
I leave the porch light on though no one said they’re coming
The kettle clicks itself to sleep beside the sink
I fold the day up carefully, then set it by the doorway
As if good news might need a place to land

[Pre-Chorus]
I’ve tried to make a map from every almost
I’ve held the door through weather, held my breath
Maybe I don’t have to chase the turning
Maybe it can find me where I am

[Chorus]
I hope happiness finds its way to me
Past the rooms I’ve kept too quiet
Past the years I couldn’t name
I hope it finds the road I’m on
And doesn’t need me to be ready
Just comes in and stays

[Verse 2]
There’s a list beneath the magnet on the refrigerator
Small things I meant to do when I felt more like myself
I water the one plant that keeps leaning toward the window
And let that count as tending to a life

[Pre-Chorus]
I’ve tried to earn the morning by enduring
I’ve called the waiting something I deserved
Maybe I can leave a little space here
Maybe joy can come without a word

[Chorus]
I hope happiness finds its way to me
Past the rooms I’ve kept too quiet
Past the years I couldn’t name
I hope it finds the road I’m on
And doesn’t need me to be ready
Just comes in and stays

[Bridge]
If it comes softly, I will hear it
If it comes late, I’ll let it in
No grand arrival, no explanation
Just one good hour beginning again

[Final Chorus]
I hope happiness finds its way to me
Past the rooms I’ve kept too quiet
Past the years I couldn’t name
I hope it finds the road I’m on
And doesn’t need me to be ready
Just comes in and stays
Just comes in and stays

[Outro]
I leave the porch light on
Not because I’m certain
But because I can