I Can Stay

I can stay

Not because
I’m ready

Because leaving
Would take more

I find a place
That holds

Not comfortably
Just enough

My breath settles
Briefly

I don’t follow it
Too far

I notice
When it shifts

I adjust
Without thinking

A shoulder
A foot

I check
If I’m still here

Time moves
Carefully

Like it’s unsure
Of me

I don’t correct it

I decide
To stay

Then decide
Again

Nothing changes
Except the effort

I don’t promise
Anything

I don’t plan
Ahead

I keep
This moment

I look at the door
Once

Not to leave
Just to know
Where it is

I can stay
For now

I can stay
Again

That’s all