I held you first at 3:02,
a tiny fist wrapped round my thumb,
your heartbeat racing next to mine,
the whole world hushed, the wars all done.
Ten perfect fingers, rosebud mouth,
I whispered, “Baby, welcome home,”
and swore right then I’d walk through fire
to keep that little light from ever feeling alone.
Verse 2
We danced in kitchens, spun in grass,
I caught you sliding into home.
Pink tutus, muddy cleats, and tears
when algebra refused to leave us alone.
I learned the names of all your friends,
pretended boys didn’t exist,
sat in the dark when you first drove away,
praying harder than I ever kissed.
Chorus
Oh, my girl, my heart outside my chest,
every year you gave me was the best.
From first steps to wedding dress,
I was blessed, I was blessed.
Verse 3
You brought him home, he shook my hand,
I saw forever in his eyes.
Then came the grandbabies, loud and wild,
Thanksgiving tables twice the size.
We carved the turkey, told the stories,
you rolled your eyes just like before,
but squeezed my hand beneath the table
when my voice cracked on “I love you more.”
Verse 4
The years, they slipped like water, darling,
my legs forgot the way to stand.
Monitors sang softer than your lullabies
while you held tight my trembling hand.
I tried to speak, but you just smiled,
said, “Daddy, rest, it’s okay now.”
I closed my eyes inside your arms
the same way you once closed yours in mine somehow.
Bridge
And now I’m weightless, whole, and near,
watching tears fall on hospital tile.
Baby, listen, dry those eyes,
come on and give your old man a smile.
You were my sunrise every single day,
my answered prayer in human form.
Because of you I knew real love,
because of you I’m safe and warm.
Final Chorus
So don’t cry for me, my girl,
I’m closer than I’ve ever been.
Every laugh you give your babies
brings me home again and again.
You gave me heaven here on earth,
the greatest life a man could know,
so live it loud, live it long,
and feel me dancing when the north wind blows.
Tag
I’m holding you the way I did
at 3:02 the day that you were born.
My girl… my girl…
I’m home.
NolaPlug
