Come Softly, Come Near

You left a silver ribbon on the handle of my door

A little paper garden folded on the floor

I read your careful handwriting beneath the bedroom fan

Three words, a borrowed hour, and a promise to come back

I put the kettle on for two

Though no one knows I'm waiting here for you

Come softly, come near

Tell me the secret I want to hear

Turn the key, draw the curtain wide

Keep your beautiful mystery by my side

If this is a game, let it begin

With a rose-colored wager, I might win

Come softly, come near

I have been saving this moment all year

The velvet boxes open by the mirror in the hall

Inside a tiny photograph with winter at the mall

You wore that crooked necktie, I wore borrowed perfume

We laughed beside the carousel beneath the paper moon

Now every little thing feels new

The clock forgets its hands when I look at you

Come softly, come near

Tell me the secret I want to hear

Turn the key, draw the curtain wide

Keep your beautiful mystery by my side

If this is a game, let it begin

With a rose-colored wager, I might win

Come softly, come near

I have been saving this moment all year

No grand parade, no crowded room

Just your coat brushing mine in the quiet afternoon

You say my name like a treasury note

And suddenly the whole small house begins to float

Come softly

Come near, tell me the secret I want to hear

Turn the key, draw the curtain wide

Keep your beautiful mystery by my side

If this is a game, let it begin

With a rose-colored wager, I might win

Come softly