I listened to myself through you

Punched plentiful silences out of these jaws

I called them rusty-busty waves

Clasping on every calming shore

A quietness between lips that matches nothing

Navigating through time, typically an old wind

I’ve swallowed all of life’s bitter pills alone

Sometimes to quench my own thirst

Or to drown myself in all of my sorry

Remember I raised myself and my family

A young boy sinking into fast adulthood

Scared in the memory, hurt but keeping a smile

Crumbling fists, a heart finally warmed for joy

With a peaceful heart I forgive myself

Now am here on my two strong feet

Ready for a good start