Sisters

I tied your shoesWhile you sat and watched the rainHands folded across your lapAnd the dull look of peace across your face

Mom down the hallBible pressed to her chestWhen she swore the Devil hides in everythingAnd her room was the only safe haven left

She watched us grow through window panes

Something in the middleSomething in the middleSomething in the middleSomething's in the wayYou had held my handWhile the wind whistled nocturnes in the dark

Something in the middleSomething in the middleSomething in the middleSomething's in the wayNever knew what it meant to be whole and free

Something in the middleSomething in the middleSomething in the middleSomething's in the wayNeither one of them mocksIf we steer from paths only they can seeBut sink or swim is all they'd say

Your hand rode the wind out the window of the trainWe slept in our seatsWith our knees curled beneath our dirty chinsDad gripped the bags like they might fly awayAnd the scenery beyond the glass was liquidWe sat and soaked it inI felt your breath along the way

I'd hold your hand when the sky fell apartAnd you would hold my handIf you felt me slipping back into the darkI can't tell from the ground if the sky will fallI can't tell from the sky if there's anybody down there at allIt's empty hands and empty plates