This Tune Shall Pass

a lighter

By, Jesse P.

It started out as one teenaged wish
the click of a lighter
and turned into a life
It was exciting
and floating from the ground
came the laughter and the closeness I needed to have somehow
you turned into a danger from someone I held so close, I don’t know
but it was time for you to go

Oh glory how to cut you out
can I get out for good
All I want is to hold you close
but that’s what I fear most
So I’ll leave – I’ll leave before it swallows me alive

In my eyes everything seemed fine
cozied up to you, not leaving for work on time
what I refused to see, a growing anxiety
you fooled me, gentle and blissful and kind
I lost sight of my feelings, my needs were put on hold
don’t reach for me, you’ve got to change for me to grow

Oh glory how to cut you out
can I get out for good
All I want is to hold you close
but that’s what I fear most
So I’ll leave – I’ll leave before it swallows me alive

Every time I try without you by my side
a crippling craving darkness in my eyes
I can’t let go your pictures, your hands around my neck
But the minute I admit it, ‘bless it, I’m a mess’
Is the moment it begins to turn to cease to spin
a moment I can dream to have control, oh I know

I’ll cut you out
and I’ll get out for good
All I want is to hold you close
but that’s what I fear most
So I’ll leave – I’ll leave before it swallows me alive

Published in A New Leaf – June 2025

More Articles

  • Heard in a Meeting

    “Don’t make a permanent decision based on a temporary feeling!” Published in A New Leaf – August 2026

    Heard in a Meeting
  • Cannabis Induced Psychosis (CIP)

    Written by, Connor B. I had my first psychotic episode at the age of 21 while away at college. While taking a bath, I was suddenly afraid I was going to drown so I called campus authorities and ran in the cold in only my pajamas to make it to the security booth. I hadn’t…

    Cannabis Induced Psychosis (CIP)
  • Surrender & Serenity

    Written by, Bella Even as a child I was inclined to argue and be stubborn. My skills of rationalizing and manipulation were part of my character makeup. I was also ready to start a game or sing-along at any given moment. But I was also shy, moody, and given to victim fantasies. I was the…

    Surrender & Serenity
  • Poem 4

    Written by, Jessyka C. It was the bee That inspired me To quit the green Been smoking so long I’m no longer ganga princess, I’m ganga queen Now I’m realising it’s only bringing me down Spending all my money on it like a clown I need to stop, give it a rest I can be better…

    Poem 4
  • I LIVE TO SERVE! (fast ska/punk)

    Composed by, John J Chord: AYou may be sinnin’But I’m in it to win it!I got all the tricks, shit!I’m the one who can fix it!When I come for your curveYou better not swerve!Man have I hit a nerve!Baby I LIVE TO SERVE! YO! Chord: BmWe’re only as sick as our secrets, manI’m more than…

    I LIVE TO SERVE! (fast ska/punk)
  • Amends to Self

    Written by, Anonymous My dear self, I love you, and I’m so proud of you. I haven’t always made it easy for you, but you’ve become such an incredible woman, and I’m certain you will continue to thrive in the future. I’m writing this letter as an amends for all I have done and failed…

    Amends to Self