Child un-nurtured
innocent confusion
hurt by idolized parents
maybe an accident
a mistake
that started a family

But to him, I'm a hero

Hurt and angry adolescent
surviving on the streets
same old story
fell in with the wrong crowd
too much drink
too many trysts
a bed for two but
a playground for many

But to him, I'm a hero

Self lost
respect lost
innocence, pride, direction
lost
worthless
used
ashamed

But to him, I'm a hero

California
far from home
on my own
night clubs, bars
naked bodies
sand and stars
names forgotten
or never known

But to him, I'm a hero

Stupid choices
fatherless son
moved back to their torturous home
as long as my son gets what he needs
they can do what they want to me
robbed me of my soul

But to him, I'm a hero

Life goes on
laughter rings through my home
a man now, tall and strong
sees I survived it all
pride like tiny sprouts through soil
so fragile

But to him, I'm a hero