Shadows and Hope

Treading through shadows, lost in my mind's maze

Silent screams echo, trapped in this haze

Racing thoughts, second-guessing every step I take

Battling demons that no one else can see or fake

Tried to give my son a better life, a brighter day

But the weight on my shoulders keeps pulling me astray

Court dates looming, deadlines tight and grim

Dealing with the system, feeling so worn and thin

They push and they test, expecting me to fold

In a world so cold, I’m fighting to hold

Running from the nightmares, chasing the dawn

Holding on to hope, trying to stay strong

PTSD’s shadow, haunting my soul

But I won’t give in, I’m still in control

My car gone, stuck in a bind

October’s the deadline, gotta clear my mind

Drug tests and lies, they try to define

But I’m more than their shadows, I’m tapping into my shine

With a service dog by my side, I find my peace

Part of the chaos, seeking release

Through pain, through fear, I keep standing tall

Finding my way, I won’t let myself fall