Lesson on a Dusty road

I took the long way, the wrong way

Flat tires and skies gone gray

Hard-headed, heart half broke

Chasing pride through clouds of smoke

Should’ve listened, should’ve turned

But I had to crash to learn

Every back road, every bend

Carved the truth I now defend

It was a lesson in the dust

In the breakdowns, in the rust

In the silence after storms

Where regret and grace were born

I made it through, I’m standing tall

Grateful I survived the fall

It wasn’t easy, wasn’t clean

But I found the strength between

I saw signs I chose to ignore

Thought I knew what life was for

But wisdom don’t come wrapped in gold

It’s in the stories scars have told

I lost some friends, I lost my way

But I found myself in disarray

Now I walk with open eyes

No more chasing perfect skies

Every detour had a name

Every bruise became a flame

And now I light the path ahead

With all the tears I never shed

It was a lesson in the dust

In the backfires, in the trust

That broke and healed along the ride

Now I wear my truth with pride

I made it through, I’m still alive

Grateful for the will to strive

It wasn’t luck, it wasn’t fate

It was learning — before too late

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