The mark on the water

We counted stars that summer, slow and blind You drew a heart on my palm, I traced a line behind The river knew our steps along the bending shore You whispered," Here I'll love you, evermore" Your smile was the brightest thing I couldn't keep Like sun through leaves, a promise buried deep Now I touch the place where you once stood A scar upon the water— I misunderstood We carved two names into a tree that kissed the sky You swore," Even in ashes, this won't die" The autumn bled in gold, then winter stole your breath And left me with a silence worse than death Your smile was the warmest fire I ever lied inside A cabin burning slowly while I smiled and cried Now I reach into the river where your shadow goes The water has no answer- only echoes I row this same old boat to the middle of the lake Drop a knife where your promise breaks You're never coming back, I know, I know But I trace your face in sand- trembling, slow Your smile was the only lighthouse in my storm Now I sail in circles, wrecked and worn I carved your name into my ribs so deep The wind still carries promises I couldn't keep Maybe the river never held you at all Maybe I was drowning in a glassy fall I drew a mark where nothing stayed And blamed the water for the price I paid Ahhh... Beautiful, then gone... Ahhh... The mark on the water... Ahhh... I keep rowing... but the shore has no name...