From the recording Pet Loss & Love That Remains
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
My hand still lifts
to pat the air.
I walk out wide
around the chair.
I watch the door
at every click,
break off some crust,
then catch the hitch.
[Pre-Chorus]
The mind keeps facts,
the body keeps time.
[Chorus]
It’s the shape of my habits--love living in my limbs,
a quiet, faithful reflex, deep as breathing swims.
My mind knows you are gone; my hands don’t have the news.
The map inside my motions still traces only you.
I pause to let you pass, the way I used to do--
It’s the shape of my habits, and every line is you.
[Verse 2]
My foot taps twice
to hear your tag.
Spare blue bags wait,
folded and snug.
I knee the door
to keep out chill,
leave room on the couch,
save your window sill.
[Pre-Chorus]
I tell my steps “be still,”
they circle where you slept.
[Chorus]
It’s the shape of my habits--love living in my limbs,
a quiet, faithful reflex, deep as breathing swims.
My mind knows you are gone; my hands don’t have the news.
The map inside my motions still traces only you.
I reach without a thought and set an empty bowl--
It’s the shape of my habits that keeps you in my soul.
[Bridge]
These hands will learn a softer slow,
but they won’t learn letting go.
[Chorus]
It’s the shape of my habits--love living in my limbs,
a quiet, faithful reflex, deep as breathing swims.
My mind can say goodbye; my hands still see you through.
The doorway that I hold is still opening for you.
Each turn of daily life redraws your outline true--
It’s the shape of my habits, and every line is you.