Between the years

You wrote me letters

But didn’t know where they should go.

I searched for my name

In strangers’ faces I didn’t know.

Other hands raised me,

But under my skin there stayed

A quiet thread of someone warm

That never went away.

Between us were years,

Between us was pain,

But your gentle voice somewhere

Was calling my name.

So many winters gone,

So many scars we’ve known —

Mama, we found each other

Through a love overthrown.

You kept that photograph

From when I was only days old,

Whispered to an empty room,

“Live, my son — be strong.”

I didn’t know your story,

You didn’t know my fear,

But something pulled us to

The same bright stars up there.

Between us were years,

Between us was pain,

But your gentle voice somewhere

Was calling my name.

So many winters gone,

So many tears alone —

Mama, we found each other,

And now we’re finally home.

And here you stand before me —

Not a dream, not a prayer.

Our shaking hands are trembling

Like children standing there.

“Forgive me for the days

I couldn’t keep you safe.”

“Forgive me that I came to you

So late.”

And in just two small steps

Across the room we crossed

A lifetime that was lost.

Between us were years,

Between us was pain,

But now your voice beside me

Whispers my name.

All those winters fade,

Like shadows overgrown —

Mama, we found each other,

And we won’t let go again

If I ever lose my way,

I know where I belong —

The heart that chose me twice

Is where I’m coming home.