I start talking
Then I stop

Hands together, words half-formed
I still bow my head out of habit
Like respect survived what belief didn’t
Ceiling fan turns like it’s listening
I ask for peace, then I edit
Take out the parts that sound desperate
I don’t know what I’m allowed to want
So I pause before I confess it

I say your name
Then I drift
These are prayers I don’t finish
I still reach
I just miss
These are prayers I don’t finish

I was taught that doubt was dangerous
Like questions cracked the foundation
Now I’m standing in the silence
Wondering if faith needs explanation
I don’t curse you, I don’t praise you
I just talk like you’re nearby
Like maybe you’re not distant
Just quieter than my mind

I say your name
Then I drift
These are prayers I don’t finish
I still reach
I just miss
These are prayers I don’t finish

If you’re listening
I don’t need a sign
I just need to know
That silence isn’t the same as goodbye

I say your name
And I wait
These are prayers I don’t finish
If there’s grace
In the space
Let it live in what’s missing
I don’t walk
I don’t quit
I just stand in the distance
These are prayers I don’t finish

I start talking
Then I stop