The Kindest Word

Original English lyrics

[Verse 1]
He comes home at eight.
I have wiped the table twice.
Bread on the board, bowls turned over.
He says it looks lovely.
Then:
just the kindest word.

[Verse 2]
Bread on the board.
Clean plate.
Bright lamp.
Longer pause.
Just the kindest word.

[Verse 3]
Radio next door plays something slow.
Neither of us knows it.
He hums the wrong line, I come in late.
The bread goes cold.
Bread on the board.

[Verse 4]
I ask about his day.
He says productive.
He used to say long, used to say slow.
I lift the pan.
Steam beads on the lid.
Clean plate.

[Verse 5]
Just the kindest word.
Bread on the board.
Bright lamp.
Longer pause.
Just the kindest word.

[Verse 6]
The neighbour's song ends, a new one starts.
He hums first. I follow a beat late.
Knife points at the sink.
We leave it there.
We leave it.

[Verse 7]
He asks about mine. I say fine.
I used to say tired, used to say done.
Spoon clicks once. I put it down.
Bright lamp.

[Verse 8]
Just the kindest word.
Bread on the board.
Clean plate.