I Will Be Back

You asked what time.
I gave you one.
I'll be back.
I promise.
Keep my place.
I'm not done.
I'll be back.
I promise.
You have my word.
You have my word.
Hold the tether.
Let it run.
Keep my place.
I'm not done.
Back.
I'll be back.
Word given.
Word kept.
Back.
I'll be back.
Not home yet.
Boots by the door.
Laces pulled.
Pack feels light.
Room feels full.
Nobody asks.
Everybody checks.
One last look
At what I've left.
You catch my sleeve.
I stop mid step.
Same four words.
Same held breath.
I'll be back.
I promise.
No crossed fingers.
No knock on wood.
Look me dead on.
I said I would.
I'll be back.
I promise.
Keep my place.
I'm not done.
I'll be back.
I promise.
You have my word.
You have my word.
Hold the tether.
Let it run.
Keep my place.
I'm not done.
Back.
I'll be back.
Word given.
Word kept.
You have my word.
Signal dies.
Screen goes black.
Last thing sent.
I'll be back.
Road washed out.
Way ahead shut.
Find another.
Keep that word.
Knee gives once.
Palm hits dirt.
Up comes breath.
Then comes hurt.
Count the steps.
Lose the count.
Someone waiting.
That still counts.
I'll be back.
I promise.
Said it easy.
Carry it hard.
Every mile
Knows where you are.
I'll be back.
I promise.
Keep my place.
I'm not done.
I'll be back.
I promise.
You have my word.
You have my word.
Hold the tether.
Let it run.
Keep my place.
I'm not done.
You didn't ask
If I was sure.
You asked what time.
I gave you one.
Now that hour
Has come and gone.
I keep reaching
For a signal.
You promised.
I know.
I'll be back.
I promise.
Keep my place.
I'm not done.
I'll be back.
I promise.
You have my word.
You have my word.
Hold the tether.
Let it run.
Keep my place.
I'm not done.
One bar.
Message sent.
Running late.
I meant
What I said.
I'll be back.