Shiola

I steal a look between the blinds

I unwind

She sleeps in comfort in my arms

She is plain, but she is mine

Our child is silent but awake

I run my hand through his hair

I teach him manners and how to stick up

For himself when things get bad

I tell him, "Son, never throw the first punch,

And if you must fight, make it clean"

Shiola, Shiola, will all be forgiven?

Shiola, Shiola, am I strong enough to start again alone?

The taste of home is filling up my mouth

Is it wrong to love a family of ghosts?

Her door is open, the windows are all up

She says, "Come inside"

I live alone, more or less

I summon wife, child, and happiness

Build them up from the dirt and clay

I have to believe that all will be forgiven

Shiola, Shiola, will all be forgiven?

Shiola, Shiola, am I strong enough to start again alone?

Shiola, Shiola, my heart is overflowing

Shiola, Shiola, the love and anger coiled into one

They take and take, but never get their fill

I try and try, but fail against my will

I wait and wait, for that hand to sweep me up

And take me down the road home