STILL GOT MY NAME

STILL GOT MY NAME LOOK AT ME! Clock hit five, my shift ran late. Grease on my hands, rent can't wait. I'm standing straight! Red notice underneath my door, Same worn boots on the kitchen floor. Cold black coffee, the light stays on, Three small coins till the night is gone. Feet on the floor, I rise. No silver lining, no disguise. My neighbor knocks: "You doing all right?" "Come on in. I've got a little light." She sees the bills, looks me in the eye; We split the bread I saved last night. I set her plate beside my own; That little room don't feel so cold. They put a price on the hours I give, But they don't get to price how I live. I fold that bill, I turn the key— There's still a whole lot left of me. Still got my name! Let it ring through the rain. They can take the shine off a dollar, Can't take the song I sing. Still got my name! Every scar, every stain. I can lose what I worked for, But I won't give my name away. Boss said, "Sorry, there's nothing more." I took one breath and walked out the door. Rain hit hard at the bus-stop sign; One dry seat, and the seat was mine. Then I saw my neighbor there, Rain on her coat and silver hair. I gave my seat; she gave a grin: "That's how better days begin." She held the rail, I held the door; We didn't need to say much more. The engine shook, the wheels rolled on; A little warmth against the storm. They count the hours, they count the pay, They never count what we give away. I hear that engine, feel that beat— Got a little more life in these tired feet. Mama told me, "Keep your word. A quiet kindness still gets heard." I thought she meant some distant day, When I'd have enough to give away. But there's a knock, and there's a light, And someone gets home warm tonight. No golden prize, no shining frame— Just one more reason for my name. Still got my name! Hear it rise above the rain. Not a number on a paycheck, Not the sum of what remains. Still got my name! Now I know what it means. It's the hand I give another, Not the things that I can keep. STILL GOT MY NAME! And I won't give it away! Count every dollar— You can't count all of me. Still got my name!