9/1/25

out here the world's gone cold and wild,

but i still see hope in my little boy's smile.

each breath he takes steadies my hands,

as he's the only reason i still try to stand.

i lead with a badge, which don't mean much now.

not when death waits behind every vow.

but when he looks up, like i've got the plan,

i pray i am enough to make him a man.

he's the one thing i can't let go,

the one thing left that i need to know,

that i did right, that i stood tall,

even when it feels i've lost it all.

i tell myself "just one more day,"

yet i feel like i fail him anyway.

too many dangers, too many lies,

too much blood in a young boy's eyes.

i told a farmer, truth like a blade,

"i fail him, every choice i've made."

but he said with calm, i can't forget,

"some men ain't earned their sons just yet."

"but you don't seem to have that kind of fight,

your boy still sees you in the light."

and lord, i hope that's true,

'cause i'm still learning what to do.

i ain't perfect, never claimed to be,

but i'd lay down the world just to keep Carl free.