Volcano

Try to own me and I’ll burn you
Spill the gasoline and light the torch
Try to keep me close and I’ll leave for good
Pack my suitcase and walk out the door

I’m a volcano, baby

I like to simmer real slow
I’m a volcano, baby
Just keep it cool for now

Introduce me as yours and I’ll turn my back
Leave you standing silent in front of them
Tell me to change my habits and I’ll laugh
Take up five new ones and watch you get so mad

I’m a volcano, baby
I like to simmer real slow
Yeah, I’m a volcano, baby
Just keep it cool for now

Want me to take a trip with you and I’ll be gone
Lounging on the deck of my solitary cruise
Give me a key to your place and I’ll lose it
Toss it down a drain and drown it in your tears

I’m a volcano, baby
I like to simmer real slow
I’m a volcano, baby
Just keep it cool for now

I’m a volcano, baby
I like to simmer real slow
I’m a volcano, baby
Just keep it cool for now

Bring me a pet and I’ll start calling around
Dust my hands off when it’s gone and wave goodbye
Hand me a diamond ring and I’ll look you in the eyes
Shake my head as I return it and order some champagne

I’m a volcano, baby
I like to simmer real slow
Oh, I’m a volcano, baby
So let’s just keep it cool for now

Confession

The truth is that I was a coward.

I pretended that I didn’t hear the fights, 

didn’t see the bruises in the morning.
I was too afraid of being hurt myself,
and so when the screaming started I
threw the covers up over my head and
lay there shaking until all was quiet again.

I never spoke up. 
I didn’t try to help you. 
I was selfish, and much 
too worried about my own safety.

I’m sorry for that, and even sorrier 
that, if I could go back, I’d make 
those same decisions all over again.

But if this repeats in the future, 
I swear to you that I will not run. 
I will not hide. I will not close 
my eyes and hold my breath 
and wish and wish for it all to end.

I will open my mouth and say, “Stop. 
Don’t do this. Quit hurting this incredible 
person who I love so very much.”

I know this won’t make up for my past 
cowardice, that nothing ever really can 
or will. Still, I promise that if you need 
me from now on, I will be there for you.

4.4.2015

“The memory of something that can still break your heart long after it’s gone is priceless. Don’t ever lose it or push it away. This loss will tear you apart, but it will also teach you that love is eternal, and that you are capable of a love this deep, this special, and this true.”