Hollow Crown

Lyrics

I held the breath too long (felt the walls move) They pulled me back But I brought (something else through)

Fingers twitch when no one speaks I’ve named the shadows They whisper back (Louder than the living) No prayers—just patterns No truth—just teeth I smiled once (It bit deep)

This isn’t rage (it’s ritual) Not grief (just habitual) I counted every fracture (Split and called it form)

This isn’t pain It’s the echo Of a voice (That let go) You call it broken I call it design A hollow crown (Pressed into my spine)

I drew maps in blood Of where not to go Still walked them all (Still walk them slow) They said I changed (I said “Show me where I stayed”) Told me I was brave I said (“No—I’m delayed”)

It’s not in my head (It is my head) The door won’t shut (So I live in what’s left) Eyes like alarms Hands like knives Every heartbeat (cuts twice)

I made deals in static I named the fire “home” I wore every scream Like a second skin Not fallen Just rewritten

This isn’t pain It’s a signal I cut the cord But the voice is continual A hollow crown Fits too well Built from love (shaped by hell)

They sleep I pace They forget I replace I forget (what face was mine…)