Goose

I used to hear your footsteps runnin’ down the hall

Bare feet, tangled hair, couldn’t wait at all

You’d climb up on my shoulders, swear you ruled the sky

I was ten feet tall just seein’ through your eyes

You called me your hero, I called you my Goose

Didn’t know how fragile that time really was to lose

Hey Goose, if you’re listenin’ tonight

I still see your smile in the porch light

I know I broke somethin’ I can’t undo

But there ain’t a day I don’t miss me and you

I was your favorite, I felt it was true

Now I’m just a man hopin’ you remember him too

I love you more than these words can prove

Always will, baby girl—

Love you, Goose

Thirteen came like a hard right turn

Doors shut quiet, eyes learned how to burn

I said the wrong thing, made the wrong call

Thought I was strong enough, turns out I wasn’t at all

You stopped laughin’ at my old dumb jokes

And the silence hit harder than the words you never spoke

Hey Goose, I know I crossed that line

I’d trade every mile just to rewind

I was tryin’ to be a father, didn’t see the truth

That I was still learnin’, same as you

If forgiveness is heavier than I knew

I’ll carry it forever if that’s what you choose

Just know my heart never moved

From you, Goose

One day you’ll see I’m just flesh and bone

A man who failed tryin’ not to let it show

I don’t need to be your hero anymore

I just wanna be someone you don’t shut the door on

I keep your old pictures in a worn-out frame

Same bright eyes, but you’ve changed your name

I watch you grow from a distance now

Proud and quiet, don’t ask me how

If you ever wonder if I still care

There’s not a breath I take where you ain’t there

Hey Goose, wherever you are tonight

I pray you’re warm, I pray you’re alright

If the world gets heavy and you don’t know what to do

There’s still a place right here with me and you

I don’t need it perfect, I don’t need it soon

I’ll wait every year if that’s what it takes to

Hear you say my name like you used to

Come home, Goose

Feathers bend, but they don’t break

And love don’t leave just ‘cause hearts ache

I’m still right here, same truth

Forever your dad—

Love you, Goose