The Second Cup

A countertop coffee machine remains in the kitchen after the boxes are gone. It remembers the first cup, the blue mug, and the small change from two places at the counter to one.

[Verse 1] I kept the counter warm at six When winter pressed against the glass Your hand would find my little switch Before the hallway light came on

The blue mug waited by my side A silver spoon inside the sink You poured the first one black and slow Then added milk without a sound

[Chorus] I still know the sound of one cup Settling under the silver spout I still leave room beside the drip For a hand that is not reaching now I do not ask where the other went I hold the water, heat the ground One cup, one light, one quiet room And the small red switch still glowing

[Verse 2] In April, boxes crossed the floor The table went before the chairs You took the blue mug and the keys And left your fingerprints on me

The paper on the refrigerator Lost its corner to the steam Someone wrote a number underneath Then crossed it out and left the room

[Chorus] I still know the sound of one cup Settling under the silver spout I still leave room beside the drip For a hand that is not reaching now I do not ask where the other went I hold the water, heat the ground One cup, one light, one quiet room And the small red switch still glowing

[Verse 3] A week went by, then someone came To clear the shelves above the sink They lifted me by both my sides And set me down beside the door

There is a little dust in here It gathers where the filter sits I taste the old dark roast at night When the pipes begin to settle

[Bridge] I was never built to keep a promise I have no mouth to make one with I heat the water when you press me I cool down when the room goes dim

If you have found another kitchen With a window facing east Leave a little space beside your cup That is all I ever need

[Final Chorus] I still know the sound of one cup Settling under the silver spout I still leave room beside the drip For a hand that is not reaching now I do not ask where the other went I hold the water, heat the ground One cup, one light, one quiet room And the small red switch still glowing

[Outro] If you come back for the last small things I will be where you left me The counter cold, the cord wound up The little red light waiting