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Spoken version
A recorded reading of “A Short Leg of the Table”. If the player does not load, use the original audio source.
The table leans toward the tracks. Water climbs one side of the glass and slips back. You fold a napkin small and pass it under the short leg. I hold the cup clear. Your hand waits until mine lifts. The next lorry comes around. We watch the surface break into little, separate rings. At the table by the till, we set the cups down together. No water moves.
Lyrics
The Glass Won't Settle The all-night café Is across from the tracks I hang my wet coat On a bent chair back A lorry takes the corner My water starts to shake You catch the sugar bowl Before it leaves the plate The glass won't settle Put your hand right here The glass won't settle Put your hand right here You fold a paper napkin Underneath the short leg I lift my cup to help You tell me, Not just yet Another lorry turns The water shakes again You lay one palm flat I set mine by yours The glass won't settle Put your hand right here The glass won't settle Put your hand right here You say, It's always this table I say, I'll take the next You pick up my cold toast And bring me something fresh The glass won't settle Put your hand right here The glass won't settle Put your hand right here At the table by the till My water's standing still
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