Sunset

SUNSET (by Silvio Vinci) You left your jacket on the chair, I left the windows wide. The evening traffic filled the room, you kept your eyes on mine. We had a hundred things to say, we let the kettle sing. You turned the handle of your cup, I watched your silver ring. Down in the street, somebody called your name. You took a breath, and something in us changed. Stay until the sun goes down, until the red burns out. Let the last light fill this room before we leave this house. Stay until the sun goes down, your hand beside my hand. We don't have to call it love to feel it end. You said the train would leave at nine, I said I'd drive you there. You folded up the sleeves I loved and tied back all your hair. The kitchen clock was running fast, you laughed and let it run. I almost asked you for a kiss, you almost gave me one. Out on the stairs, your suitcase touched the wall. You turned around, I couldn't speak at all. Stay until the sun goes down, until the red burns out. Let the last light fill this room before we leave this house. Stay until the sun goes down, your hand beside my hand. We don't have to call it love to feel it end. I could ask you where you're going, you could ask me what went wrong. We have worn those questions thin, we have stayed here far too long. For a moment by the doorway, with the daylight on your face, I could see you were already somewhere I could never stay. Stay until the sun goes down, until the red burns out. Let the last light fill this room before we leave this house. Stay until the sun goes down, then I'll take you to the train. You can sleep against the window, I won't ask you to explain. Until the sun goes down, until the sun goes down. Your jacket on your shoulder, your keys upon the ground.