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Spoken version
A recorded reading of “The Key You Kept”. If the player does not load, use the original audio source.
The spare key still waits in the blue bowl by the door. It has learned the shape of dust, the kettle beginning, the clock taking sides with morning. I have moved it twice and put it back twice. There are objects that refuse to become evidence. Outside, a neighbour drags bins over the pavement. The sound is almost a person arriving. I do not turn the lock. I leave the key where it is: small metal weather in the bowl.
Lyrics
(ching-ching) Your spare key sits in the bowl. Beside the coins and bent receipts. The kitchen clock has lost a minute. Still it keeps your old routine. I washed the cup you always used. I moved it to the highest shelf. Then stood there with the kettle hot. And talked to no one else. I could put it in an envelope. I could leave it at your gate. But every little metal tooth. Still knows how to make me wait. (ching-ching) You kept the key. I kept the door. You kept the key. I am not waiting anymore. I found the jacket by the chair. Your cinema stub in the sleeve. I put both things into a box. Not because I could not leave. The lift is stuck between two floors. I take the stairs two at a time. The hallway light burns out above me. Then I unlock what is mine. (mm-mm) There is no villain in this bowl. Just brass, a ring, a little proof. (ching-ching) I put the key into my pocket. Then walk out to the street. You kept the key. I kept the door. You kept the key. I am not waiting anymore. (mm-mm)
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