Still my son

I see you through a smoky haze, A boy I knew in brighter days, Your laughter once could light the room— Now shadows wrap you in their gloom. Your eyes, once clear, now lost and wide, Like oceans caught in turning tide. I reach, but you just slip away, A ghost who walks in light of day. You chase a high that leaves you low, Through midnight streets and bitter snow. And I, with hands that cannot mend, Wait up for news I dread to send. Each call, a breath I cannot take, Each silence, more than I can fake. I pray to gods I never knew, Just for one day to break through. But know this, son, through all your fall, Through every broken, tear-stained call— You are the child I still adore, No less, not ever, never more. This fight is yours, but I am near, With every ache, with every fear. Though I can’t drag you from this storm, I’ll keep a light on, safe and warm. Come home when you are tired and done, You’ll always be my shining son.