Lyric Poem

Replaced by Paper, written by Courtney Olmstead

I have a paper heart
Careful, it might blow away in the wind
It could slip through my ribcage at any minute
If it gets wet, it's more eligible to rip
So what happens if I rip this heart in half?
There is no blood
There are no guts, no veins
At least 'tis free from scratches, or cuts, or being drenched in chains
And yes, I'm free from the shatter of defeat

I'd like to see you put me in pain now
Yeah, I'd like to see you put me in pain

I'm sure I could breathe without a lung
Like living without a beating heart
All I really need is the light from the sun
I used to be on fire all the time
I rather a paper heart because my feelings will burn me up
Right up, yes

You can shape it as a sail boat, or an airplane, or a crane
I close my eyes and let the rain wash this little cut-out
I'm zen here with no feelings at all
There's a certain beauty in the numbing stillness
Maybe this time I can truly be a saint
Maybe this time I won't rip my heart to pieces
For what is in this symmetrical shape that would crack my scarlet soul?
And if yet my heart is way too big, then it's easy enough to fold
To hurt by hurting another is no longer legal in this body

You think I should tell him I'm not able to love?
You think I should tell him?

I'm sure I could fly without wings (and steal the stars from the sky)
Like living without a beating heart (I'll never be touched again)
All I really need is the shine from the universe
I used to be on fire all the time
I rather a paper heart because my feelings will burn me up
Just burn me right up

I could lose this white, blank excuse for the sake of being real
When will things be easier again?