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Spoken version
A recorded reading of “Redline Letters”. If the player does not load, use the original audio source.
Margins inked in warning red; I write my name along the bleed. Stamps, staples, coffee rings—proofs enough. No “truth” declared—just rent due, shift swap, a scuff where the ruler slipped. Fold, pocket, walk the edge— the cardstock knocks time with my heel.
Alternative version
Ink gone loud—margin scars, redline bite. Envelope sweat rides my back pocket. If it hurts, it’s honest; if it shakes, it’s mine. Read— this fire. I won’t write to be smaller. A single match, a live wire—no choir. Redline letters, open throat—each line a lifeboat. Corner stamp, cheap and bold, still it carries what I hold. I rewrite the small story; if the past edits me, I cross it out. Say— it— plain. No maybe in my eyes. Scared? I speak. Shaking? I leap. Now—read my fire.
Lyrics
(Yeah—) Words like flame, ink goes loud, I write my nerve where it’s not allowed. Margin scars, redline bite, Truth on paper under streetlight. Envelope sweat in my back pocket, Dreams so real I can’t stop it. If they laugh, let them laugh, I’m not built for the after-bath. If it hurts, it’s honest, If it shakes, it’s mine. I don’t soften what I mean Just to keep the peace online. Read— Read my fire, I don’t write to play it quieter. Read my fire, I’m a match, I’m a wire. Redline letters, open throat, Every line’s a lifeboat. (Whoa-oh-oh) don’t deny her, (Whoa-oh-oh) read my fire. Stamp on the corner, cheap and bold, Still it carries what I hold. Names on the page like a live wire, Not to hurt — just to climb higher. I’ve been rewriting my own small story, Turning shame into a kind of glory. If the past tries to edit me, I leave it out intentionally. If it hurts, it’s honest, If it shakes, it’s mine. I don’t soften what I mean Just to keep the peace online. Say— it— plain— Read my fire, I don’t write to play it quieter. Read my fire, I’m a match, I’m a wire. Redline letters, open throat, Every line’s a lifeboat. (Whoa-oh-oh) don’t deny her, (Whoa-oh-oh) read my fire. No lies, No ties, No “maybe” in my eyes. If I’m scared, I still speak, If I’m shaking, I still leap. Now— Read my fire… [Lead] Read— [BVs] MY FIRE! [Lead] Redline— [BVs] LETTERS!
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