Are You Listening Part 2

Hey Josie,

I told you I’d be back.

Same room. Same silence.

Clock ticking like it knows what’s coming next

But this time, I’ll try stay longer.

There’s still so much you need to know.

Some of it’s gonna hurt — take your breath and leave you low.

Later in life, it’ll even try to pull you into the death throes.

But I’d rather cut you clean, with honesty that’s really true,

Than let the world try to carve you up.

Oh Lord… man, if I only knew.

This ain’t bedtime talk. This ain’t about sweet dreams.

This is what waits when the world splits at the seams.

Preschool ain’t gonna be finger-paint and happy songs —

It’s where the wicked break the ones who don’t belong.

Those teachers? Yeah. The ones you’re told to trust?

They’ll beat you, bite you, and hurt you — and that will never adjust.

They’ll drag you down with their hands and their stellar pride,

But no one will listen, no matter how loud you scream and cry.

But you won’t disappear. And you won’t collapse.

I’m sorry, don’t cry little man

These are just the facts.

You’ll take each wound and reshape the blade.

You’ll sharpen your poetic pen with the mess they made.

You’ll lose the weight, and you’ll feel alone,

Walking into rooms that feel like warzones.

The kids will sit laugh at your walk, your cheap clothes, Hell, even laugh at your hair.

You’ll always sit by yourself while they point and stare.

But man they don’t know the war

Being alone is all you’ve ever known

But little man, you always win.

You’ll move through the world with studied hands of grace,

Reading every signal on everyone’s face.

You’ll fight — not just with your fists and your skin,

But with words that dig far deeper within.

You’re gonna be a fighter. Yeah, you’ll earn that name —

U.S. Golden Gloves, legacy, blood, and pain.

But that ring? That’s just one part of your map.

There’s a war inside you that’s ready to snap.

Always speak out loud when no one really will.

Always protect the innocent, even though you’re broken still.

And when they walk from the mess that they all made,

You’ll be the one who stayed —

Holding that silver sun,

Unafraid, blade in hand, soul unplayed.

Remember this part, man. Don’t let it slide.

You’ve got good parents right by your side.

They’ll be your shield — your calm when the skies go dark.

So love them strong. Tell them with ALL YOUR heart.

Respect them loud. Show them respect & grace.

Be the steady breath when they lose pace.

They’ll give you their best, even when worn thin,

So give them your best — again and again.

Never forget what they’ve carried through.

Their sacrifice? It was all built for you.

One day, you’ll wish you had more to repay.

So Josie — start giving it now.

Don’t wait for that someday.

I’ll visit 1 more time — then our story’s whole.

We’ve walked through shadows just to reach this soul.

So hold tight to this, and don’t drift away.

I’ll be back for real soon, I got so much more to say.