To Kelly Lee - The Speed of Sound in Seawater

Please don’t leave

Believe in me

I would not lie among the artifacts

Within the sacristy

I know they’re sacred

I know we stand in hallowed halls

I would not speak with such conviction

If I did not fear for us all

But something’s happened

Something changed

Since we met yesterday evening

The symbols all have rearranged

This now reads «Fire»

That one says «Flame»

And my transcription might be off a bit

But I think that one says «Pray»

Gather yourself

I need you calm and collected

I feel your dread, I know the fear

But these thoughts are crippling you

Hold your head high like the minarets

We haven’t been beaten yet

When the whole world starts to pirouette

Let me be your safety net

I know that you’re scared of the local lore

But we’ve conquered worse before

The soothsayers can’t always be correct

‘Bout what hasn’t happened yet

Hold your head high like the palace walls

We’re fearless, we stand up tall

We won’t be afraid of our fates at all

We’ll be brave when judgment calls

If the ground opens up to swallow

The love that we’ve built

Will our lives end in grief or elation

Trepidation or guilt?

It’s all for naught

The world’s gone to pot

There’s no heaven waitin' on me

But when I’m down where it’s warm

Would you still call me yours?

I think I’d still like to be