There was a house Clean floor, open window But the silence was louder than love And the door never stayed shut You were sleeping while I planned my goodbye Your breath so soft, mine was a sigh I picked you up, I held you tight Tried to vanish without a fight I kissed you light, just on the brow Like a ghost afraid to speak aloud I walked away, I left the scene I was a coward, Kemely Only seventeen The clock stopped on that borrowed kiss And time never forgave me for this You were just a baby, and I was running scared Hiding from life, love—was never prepared On my first Father’s Day, I gave you a goodbye And each one since then, just added to the lie You grew up strong, I stayed away Behind the fear I couldn’t betray But no distance, no silence, no shame I keep Could hush the love I feel so deep I saw your pictures as the years rolled on Every smile, a wound that never was gone Each birthday candle I never lit Each tear you cried—I felt every bit If someday you let me speak I won’t ask for love, won’t ask for peace Just the chance to say with trembling breath I was wrong. I feared love worse than death You were just a baby, and I was running scared Fighting myself, gasping for air I gave you a goodbye on day number one And I’ve been bleeding from it since it begun If you never call me dad, I’ll understand But I never let go of your hand You might not speak my name again But I’ve carried yours through fire and rain Kemely Forgive me If you can