The Porch Light On

[Verse 1]
I leave the porch light on though no one’s due
A chipped blue mug, a coat I never use
The kettle clicks; the kitchen settles down
I watch the steam fold softly to the ground

[Pre-Chorus]
Maybe I have spent too long at the door
Listening for a life I can’t call mine
If joy is lost, it knows the roads I walk
It might turn up without a warning sign

[Chorus]
I hope happiness finds its way to me
Through the ordinary hours I keep
Past the days that ask for all I’ve got
Past the plans that come to nothing
I hope happiness finds its way to me
Not because I earned it, not because I’m ready
Just a small, warm thing I don’t have to chase
Finding me here, in the same old place

[Verse 2]
The bus sighs at the corner in the rain
A neighbor carries groceries upstairs again
I hold the door; she thanks me by my name
For once, the afternoon feels less the same

[Pre-Chorus]
Maybe hope is not a sudden open sky
Maybe it’s a little room to breathe
A quiet yes beneath the tired no
A hand unclenching without a reason

[Chorus]
I hope happiness finds its way to me
Through the ordinary hours I keep
Past the days that ask for all I’ve got
Past the plans that come to nothing
I hope happiness finds its way to me
Not because I earned it, not because I’m ready
Just a small, warm thing I don’t have to chase
Finding me here, in the same old place

[Bridge]
If it takes the long way, let it take its time
I’ll leave a little space beside the sink
I won’t pretend the waiting doesn’t hurt
I’ll stay long enough to see what comes

[Final Chorus]
I hope happiness finds its way to me
Through the ordinary hours I keep
Past the days that ask for all I’ve got
Past the plans that come to nothing
I hope happiness finds its way to me
Not because I earned it, not because I’m ready
Just a small, warm thing I don’t have to chase
Finding me here, in the same old place

[Outro]
The kettle clicks; the room is still
I leave the porch light on, and let it be