–––
The sirens learned to count before we did,•
One for the towers, two for the street.
I saw the smoke crawl over Dema,
But I couldn't tell whose side it would meet.
There were names written under the windows,•
Some were crossed, some washed away.
I kept looking for yours in the ashes,
Like a fool who forgot what to pray.
My friend left his torch by the doorway,•
Said he'd be back before the light.
I still keep the room exactly as he left it,
But the door hasn't opened in nine nights.
And if the city calls you missing,•
Does that mean you're somewhere else?
If I say your name into the fire,
Will it know you better than myself?
I don't know who's still breathing,•
I don't know who's coming home.
Every shadow looks familiar
When you've been afraid alone.
If you hear me through the static,•
If you're hiding underneath,
Leave a mark where I can find you,
Leave a pulse beneath the street.
I will search every broken tower,•
I will count them one by one.
If there's anything left to carry,
I'll carry it toward the sun.
Codoro am Tempara...
•
The battlefield is strangely quiet,•
Like the whole world held its breath.
There are helmets in the river,
And a flag beneath the steps.
Someone painted arrows on the concrete,•
But they point in every way.
I followed one until it vanished
At the place where children used to play.
They told me not to wait for anyone,•
They told me everyone had fled.
But your scarf was on the staircase,
And your handwriting was still on my bat.
I don't know which hurts more:•
That you're gone or that you're near.
Every time the floorboards answer,
I turn around expecting you to be here.
I don't know who's still breathing,•
I don't know who's coming home.
Every shadow looks familiar
When you've been afraid alone.
If you hear me through the static,•
If you're hiding underneath,
Leave a mark where I can find you,
Leave a pulse beneath the street.
I will search every broken tower,•
I will count them one by one.
If there's anything left to carry,
I'll carry it toward the sun.
Codoro am Tempara...
•
Terra massi...•
Say it softly, don't let them hear.
Terra massi...
Something's moving, something's near.
Terra-massi, tear the silence,
Terra-massi, call them back.
Terra massi, terra massi...
•
I don't know what the word is for•
Someone who refuses to disappear.
I only know I heard your footsteps
When nobody else was here.
Now I know who's still breathing-•
Or at least I know I'm not alone.
There are voices in the ruins,
There are hands beneath the stone.
If you hear me through the static,•
Don't be afraid to answer me.
Leave a mark where I can find you,
Leave a door without a key.
I will search every broken tower,•
I will count them one by one.
And if all we have is morning,
Then I'll meet you in the sun.
I don't know what it means.
But you answered.
Codoro am Tempara.
–––
@topicteampresents • #song