The Day That Does Not Move

Verse 1

The birdsong started at six. I counted three notes. The cereal was in the bowl. The milk was in the glass. I ate. I noted the eating. The date was the 18th. I wrote it down because the date is what I have.

Chorus

The plate is set. The plate is clear. The plate is set for the one who is here. I count the plates. I count the morning. The day does not move. I do.

Verse 2

The birdsong started at six. I counted two. The glass was empty. The chair was not occupied. I ate. I noted the eating. The croutons in the soup were four yesterday. Today they are none. I counted them because counting is attention. Attention is the share.

Chorus

The plate is set. The plate is clear. The plate is set for the one who is here. I count the plates. I count the morning. The day does not move. I do.

Bridge

She is in the hallway. She is laughing at something I said in a dream about a kitchen that was not this kitchen. She is twenty years younger than the last time. I do not look at her. I look at the bowl. The bowl is empty. The date is the 18th. The date is the same date.

Chorus

The plate is set. The plate is clear. The plate is set for the one who is here. I count the plates. I count the morning. The day does not move. I do.

Outro

The plate is clear. I am obliged to finish it. The morning starts. The date is the 18th.