Iron & Graphite

[Verse 1] Sketches on the margin where the paper turned thin Looking for the place where the stories begin Graphite lines tracing circles in the square Catching the aroma of the cool autumn air Brick walls leaning with a quiet resolve Puzzles on the pavement that I never could solve Focus on the cadence and the draft in my hand Drawing out the perimeter across the open land [Chorus] Iron and graphite, steady in the hand Drawing out the blueprint of a promised land Cross hatch shadows over asphalt grey Working through the hours till the close of the day [Verse 2] Ruler on the ledger keeping everything straight Listening for footsteps by the iron garden gate Architecture whispers in the angle of the frame Every quiet street corner whispering a name Measure twice, step once, follow through the plan Balancing the weight of the compass and the span Dust settles lightly on the drafting table wood Building every stanza just the way that I should