Shut Your Eyes

Scott Whitby, 2023

Curled in a closet

Like a baby but can't sleep

I inhale and I exhale

But there's no breath for me

It was the end of the world and

All I could see

She's gone and we're gone

And the world has left me

I shut my eyes and

I bear down and wait

I shut my eyes

Until I can see

Shut my eyes

So I can see

Inside my closet

Can I break free?

Closet door is open

And the baby is awake

Inhale and exhale

My heart will not break

Then I'm born again

This is the real me

I'm here and we're here and

The world has found me

I shut my eyes and

I bear down and wait

I shut my eyes

Until I can see

Shut my eyes

So I can see

Inside my closet

Can I break free?

I love who I am now

I love where I am now

You held my hand and

I will hold yours

I love who I am now

And who you will be

Shut your eyes and

See what I see

I closed my eyes and

I sat down to wait

I shut my eyes

Until I could see

Shut my eyes

So that I would see

Outside my closet

I have broke free