Someone's Son
From the point that you were born
You were loved and adored
As your mother held her hands out
And you tottered across the floor
A giant step for tiny man
To learn to walk and speak
And Daddy planned your future
Putting cash away each week.
Now you look down at your fingers
Nails all darkened with the dirt
Avoiding eyes of those who pass
Some spitting words that hurt
You were not to blame for this you know
The road your life has taken
Each day a struggle to survive
As in a doorway you awaken
Stuff happens in a family
People die, a marriage falters
There's times when there is no safe place
For a family's sons and daughters.
You try each day to carry on
Avoiding those who'll sway you
With obliviating substances
That eventually will slay you
Still they look away from you
And think you're the afflicted
You're not. Not you. You've kept it clean.
You're not as yet, addicted.
But every day is harder now
The hope of rescue waning
A young man is not vulnerable
And needs no help when it's raining
But once you were someone's son
Someone's pride and joy
Inside you still are, afraid and lost
A homeless little boy.
