River Glass

I found your coat by the door

Still smelled like rain and pine

Your boots were caked in clay

From the road past county line

I set the kettle on

Like you might walk in soon

But the house kept all your echoes

And the kettle sang the tune

I kept your letter in the breadbox

Folded by the sugar tin

Every time the porch boards creak

I think your hand comes in

If the wind is bringing truth

Then it’s bringing yours tonight

And I’m standing in the hallway

With the lamplight

Come back through the river glass

Come back where the cold days pass

I still know your steps by heart

I still know the shape of your laugh

If you’re out there, call me home

If you’re out there, let me know

Come back through the river glass

Come back through the river glass

The peaches in the window bowl

Went soft before I ate

Your chair by the radio

Still leans a little late

I patched the hole in your glove

With a thread from Mama’s dress

Small work for a busted world

But it helped me sleep, I guess

I kept your letter in the breadbox

Folded by the sugar tin

Every time the porch boards creak

I think your hand comes in

If the wind is bringing truth

Then it’s bringing yours tonight

And I’m standing in the hallway

With the lamplight

Come back through the river glass

Come back where the cold days pass

I still know your steps by heart

I still know the shape of your laugh

If you’re out there, call me home

If you’re out there, let me know

Come back through the river glass

Come back through the river glass

I won’t ask for yesterday

Or the words I couldn’t keep

Just a sign in the kitchen pane

Just one little sweep

If you’re only passing through

Let your shadow brush the floor

I can live with almost anything

If I can hear you once more

Come back through the river glass

Come back where the cold days pass

I still know your steps by heart

I still know the shape of your laugh

If you’re out there, call me home

If you’re out there, let me know

Come back through the river glass

Come back through the river glass