the speakers filled with music
surrounded by laughter and drinks
they spoke of was and when
what they wish and hope and think
varied topics came to abuse
and how it was hard to call the cops
but talking to your parents was the least that you could do

that's when he fell silent
with a thousand yard stare
an empty name with an empty smile
because there was no one there
stuck in thoughts he'd lost
buried beneath time
everyone has a crazy uncle
i was just left alone with mine
he noticed that they were worried
a genuine smile graced his lips
with plenty of time to ponder
no need to burden them with this
fleeting glimpses of memories
he's glad they'd never know
sometimes he's left alone
but they never truly go

i'm done with retribution
and delusions of revenge
i pray for restless sleep
i pray the ache to end
eventually it all comes flooding back
his hand upon my knee...
i'll never know what it meant to him
but i'll always know what it cost me