Fatherless, Not Hopeless

I grew up counting hours, never got a minute of you
Weekends felt like token time, just me in view
Always with the younger ones, I never got the solo scene
Wanted my spotlight, not shadows in between

I used to argue, clash, my pride on high alert
Grudges like armor, bitterness in every word I’d blurt
But losing my grandad, that spark flipped the switch
Pain rewired my mind, left the grudge in a ditch

Multiple father figures tried to fill the gap
But none left footprints, none set the map
I learned from their lessons, I took what they gave
But the man I needed most, his seat wasn’t paved

Life’s funny, pain makes a poet outta a son
Anger fades, forgiveness hits like the rising sun
I see now the weight of life, the grind and the fall
But no excuse for absence, you gotta answer the call

I’ve had men step up, mentors show me the way
Taught me patience, respect, how to handle the fray
Yet no one can replace the man who made me bleed for more
Presence over promise—that’s what a father’s for

I’m not bitter, not angry, just speaking my truth
Lessons carved deep from the fountain of youth
A father’s love isn’t earned, it’s given in full
Even when life knocks you, even when times pull

I wanted one-on-one moments, not just shadows of me
Wanted to see the dad in your eyes, not your absentee
But life taught me balance, and loss taught me grace
I let go of grudges, no hate to trace

Now I’m the man who’ll break the cycle, do it right
For my daughter, I’ll show up every day and night
The weight of absence shaped me, but it didn’t define
The father I’ll be, present, loving, aligned

So to every dad who falters, hear this rhyme
Time with your son is precious, it’s never a crime
Show up, speak up, guide, even if you fall
Love’s measured in presence, not promises at all

I’ve had men step up, but the real lesson’s clear
It’s not just guidance—it’s love they feel near
Absence leaves scars, but forgiveness leaves wings
I turned my hurt into strength, now my heart sings

I’m moving forward, carrying lessons in stride
Gratitude for the ones who stayed by my side
And though absence shaped me, it didn’t define
The man I’ve become, the father I became 

Slow rap, melodic Hip Hop, chill, emotional, raw, reflective, storytelling, Dax-style, introspective, confessional,feels