Rust

There's a tremor underneath my chest
Left over from when you pressed
Your forehead into mine and said
You'd stay
But even steel remembers dread
My frame softens when you touch
Old wounds heat and spark too much

Will you love me when I rust?
When the shine gives way to dust?
If the man beneath the metal
Is the one you fear to trust
Will you love me
When I rust?

When I rust
When I rust

You know the cracks I try to hide
The nights before I learned to rise
Ascension wasn't clean or kind
Some pieces stayed behind
If I falter in your hands
Lose my fire, lose my stance
Will your arms still open wide
Or will you turn and step outside?

Will you love me when I rust?
When the past comes up through the dust?
If my pulse stutters and falters
Will your promise still hold us?
Will you love me
When I rust?

I learned to brace for every blow
To weather storms you'll never know
Your hands undo what time has made
Touching places I kept frayed
If I collapse before I stand
Will you still take my trembling hand?

Will you love me when I rust?
When the glow gives way to dusk?
If I'm more ruin than ascension
More confession than combustion
Will you stay
When I rust?

When I rust
When I rust
Will you stay?