Somebody's Daughter

To the tweaker who just ate lunch

On the side of a 55 mph highway

I'm not staring because I'm judging

I can judge without looking

I'm staring because I want to know

If my eyes can slow down your limbs

Like the arms of a fan

So I can see that you're still somebody's daughter

I'm staring because I understand

Never mind the gawking eyes of midday traffic

Never mind the glares of the gas station clerks

I understand

You're just having lunch

I understand

The bugs, the tics, the needs

You are not a stranger to me

You are who my sister used to be

You are what the father of my niece

Is trying not to be anymore

You are every shady character

Who ever knocked on my door asking questions

I do not know your name

But I know you

I know you were once somebody's daughter

And I hope you still are

I'm not here to pass judgment

Definitely not here to help

I know all to well there is nothing I can do

I just want you to know I know

And so does any body you're trying to hide it from

And they'll be waiting up for you

Whether you come home or not

Your mom hasn't had a full nights sleep

Since the last time she saw you

I hope for her sake

It was this morning

And I know you won't believe this

But grown woman and all

Your dad just wants to bounce you on his knee

But what I know most of all

Is that your little brother

Can't go two hours without crying

He's got ulcers again

And he misses you

You probably see him the most

But he hasn't seen you

Since you took your first hit

He misses your advice

He misses your hazing

And all he wants is a sober hug

And I'm sure this isn't what you wanted to hear

During your picnic

But it's everything I wish I could've told my sister

Even if she wouldn't have listened

I'm not staring to judge

I'm staring to care

And I don't presume to know what addiction is

But I do know how it feels

I just watched you barely cross the street

I can't imagine you making it

Wherever you're going tonight

So if you die

I hope there's **** in heaven

But if you by some miracle don't

I hope rock bottom's not to far down

And that one day you get clean

And start to make amends

So you can remember what it's like to dream

And if that day ever does come

Do me a favor

Sit on your father's lap

Sleep in your mother's bed

And hug your little brother

Because there's a girl he could use some help with

No matter what you've done

Or how much pain you've caused

Through the twitching

The nervous glances

The weight loss

You're still somebody's daughter

I know you

I understand you

Enjoy your lunch

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