the poet’s words
call from the page
they enter my body 
through my eyes
and settle in my head

verse takes root 
and expands
as my thoughts stretch
into a blanket
that covers my self-doubt
making me feel understood
and hopeful

but the poetry of lyrics
set to music
is different
the words float 
on an instrumental accompaniment 
they enter my body 
through my ears
but never still

the fire of the melody 
travels through 
the living parts of me 
encompassed underneath my skin
rhythm infuses 
into my bloodstream
and settles in my bones

I carry the essence 
of that musical gift
as a healing offering
to caress my muddled brain
the song reaches back 
through childhood memories
grounds me in the present
and propels me forward
into tomorrow

the power of the songwriter
is unmatched
the lyrics and harmony
that breathe within a song
will change you
if you let them in

I will always let them in