In the Stillness
Written and Performed by Brenda Saylor
I sit in the dark
Face pressed against the windowpane
Stare at empty fence posts and stairsteps
The children's cries grow muted
Under pieces of Mamaw's quilts
And I press a cigarette to tired lips.
Move a plant to get more sun
As I pass by the middle child
I find a note that says I luv U Mom
As I gather up day old clothes
Cover up a sleeping shoulder
Go back outside to the barren streets and calm
It is in the stillness
That I know who I am
After the last child is asleep
Over littered city sidewalks
The street lights search the streets for home
I pray to see the good right where I am
After husband's time is through
I sit in the darkness singin' to myself
James Taylor, Waylon, or Patsy Cline
I might hum a hymn or two,
Read my horoscope in the paper
What the hell, the day is over, but the time is mine
It is in the stillness
That I know who I am
After the last child is asleep
Over littered city sidewalks
The street lights search the streets for home
I pray to see the good right where I am
(Instrumental Break)
After husband's time is through
I sit in the darkness singin' to myself
James Taylor, Waylon, or Patsy Cline
I might hum a hymn or two,
Read my horoscope in the paper
What the hell, the day is over, but the time is mine
It is in the stillness
That I know who I am
After the last child is asleep
Over littered city sidewalks
The street lights search the streets for home
I pray to see the good right where I am
Repeat