If You Were To Write To Me

I'm sorry for holding the flame just close enough for you to constantly feel the heat.
And I'm sorry I slip sometimes and inch even closer to burn you.
I never thought the flame would have stayed lit for this long.
How could I have known?

I remember standing in that blizzard, watching it dim in the wind.
We were as sad as humanly possible while we assumed it would be out by morning.
The snow should have eaten the flame whole.
How could I have known?

A decade's worth of heat and ash and soot rests in our hands, but our fingers never touch.
Our hands have both become callused but mine for different reasons than yours.
The universe was telling you one thing and me another.
How could I have known?

There's this pain that rivals the loss of a family member and I've felt both recently.
It just doesn't seem fair. I know you would take it all away if you could.
I try to let myself understand but it's hard to do so while you've already taken so much.
How could I have known?

After the first few years the hurt became bearable, like it was just another part of life.
You weren't even fueling the fire. You weren't supposed to, I wouldn't let you.
The snow failed, the wind gave up, our hands were a fortress, a castle.
How could I have known?

You were the drawbridge and the walls, and I, the princess safely inside.
You took arrow after arrow, waiting it out while enemies and friends alike tried to lay siege to this castle.
I am sorry, but I am too terrified to scan your body, inside and out, for the marks and wounds that were inevitably my doing.
How could I have known?

Route 353

My car ride home tonight reminded me of you
The perfect temperature, not too hot, and with a breeze to boot
All four windows down, just letting it surround me
My body relaxed and breathing with the tempo
Of some beautiful song playing in the background
If you were here I'd be using your left hand as a cymbal
For my make believe drum set while I play along
To the same song singing us home
I'm driving with cruise control on
Every limb at ease
No need for breaks
Wherever I'm going it's in a straight line
If I were to get into an accident I would certainly survive
The way a drunk driver always lives through a crash
But I'd remain fine for far more romantic reasons
My speed remains steady
My eyes focused
And my lips reaching for the stars above
Your hair would be a mess
Flying recklessly with the wind
I'd love every second of it
While you try to wrangle each piece
As they slip right through your bone-thin fingers
The smoothest road I've ever driven
With the prettiest view I've ever seen
The route I took tonight reminds me of you

This Won't Hurt

Plant your feet and dig them into the dirt
Lower your shoulder and drive it straight into mine
Make me crumble, start on my left side
But I need you to promise that this won't hurt
I need you to lie and say that this won't hurt