The Little Engine

[Verse 1]
I left my coat at Mira’s place
My notebook in the studio sink
Three half-built plans, six open tabs
And no spare hour to stop and think
I know the names you need from me
I know the promises by heart
But when the room goes quiet now
I can’t tell where I end or start

[Pre-Chorus]
I’ve given every little piece away
Till even my own yes sounds borrowed

[Chorus]
I’ve been scattered through the hands I tried to hold
In the plans I swore I’d finish, in the stories I was told
If I peel away the favors, all the versions I perform
Will I find the little engine that was turning before the storm?
I’m looking for the thing that makes me move
Some honest spark I used to know as mine

[Verse 2]
A calendar with colored squares
A voice memo I forgot to play
The garden’s asking for some water
The draft has waited since last May
You say, “Come over, we’ll catch up”
I say, “Of course,” then check the time
I miss the way I used to wander
Without a reason or a deadline

[Pre-Chorus]
I’ve given every little piece away
Till even my own yes sounds borrowed

[Chorus]
I’ve been scattered through the hands I tried to hold
In the plans I swore I’d finish, in the stories I was told
If I peel away the favors, all the versions I perform
Will I find the little engine that was turning before the storm?
I’m looking for the thing that makes me move
Some honest spark I used to know as mine

[Bridge]
Maybe it’s the kettle before sunrise
Maybe rain against the kitchen glass
Maybe drawing crooked maps for nowhere
Letting one unhurried hour pass
I don’t need to solve the whole of me
Just hear one small want and let it speak

[Final Chorus]
I’ve been scattered through the hands I tried to hold
But I’m gathering the pieces without asking what they’re worth
I can set one promise down, leave one empty square of time
Let the quiet bring me back to what was mine before the climb
I’m listening for the thing that makes me move
A simple spark, a pulse I recognize

[Outro]
One small want
One clear yes
I’m still here
Under all the rest