The Last One Awake

The building settles after two Pipes knock once behind the wall Someone left their jacket downstairs I leave it where it falls The street keeps moving under rain Tires whisper past the glass I know which lights will turn off first I know which ones will last I'm the last one awake again Watching the room go still Nothing needs saving tonight Nothing probably will I'm the last one awake again Counting the sounds that remain A door A pipe A passing car Then rain I keep old tapes in cardboard boxes Names half-faded from the spine Places that closed before we noticed Proof they existed for a time I don't believe in letting go I know what people say Some things disappear completely If nobody makes them stay I used to leave before the morning Now I wait until it comes Different habit Same hour Different damage Same sun I'm the last one awake again Watching the room go still Nothing needs saving tonight Nothing probably will I'm the last one awake again But I don't leave this time The lights go out The room stays here So do I So do I.