Brass case worn by salt and time
I've marked each mile in rhythm rhyme
Gravel sings beneath the sole
Twilight paints the path in coal
Steps approach the iron gate
Count them slow don't hesitate
Needle pulls the northern line
Heart beats fast but keeps the time
I count the footsteps home again
Silver needle faithful friend
Every crunch of stone I know
North points where you're bound to go
Lantern flickers on the porch
Salt wind pushes through the torch
Boots leave prints in cooling dust
I measure distance earned trust
Shadows stretch across the yard
Counting beats it's not that hard
Needle shakes but holds the true
Every step brings me to you
I count the footsteps home again
Silver needle faithful friend
Every crunch of stone I know
North points where you're bound to go
Storm glass falls inside the hall
Barometer predicts the squall
But I don't need the falling glass
To know you're home at steady last
No satellite no glowing screen
Just magnet's pull quiet keen
The driveway knows your heavy tread
I count the living not the dead
Dawn will break the purple sky
But tonight I'm satisfied
Four hundred steps from gate to door
I'll count a thousand steps more
I count the footsteps home again
Silver needle faithful friend
Every crunch of stone I know
North points where you're bound to go
I count the footsteps every one
Until the morning brings the sun
Needle rests at dawn's first light
Counting done till next twilight
