Those maple branches never were the strongest.
I remember the sound as your foot finally snapped one, and you came crashing down ten feet.
Leaving you with your first scar of many to come.

It's engraved inside my mind.
Your parents rushing to your side, as the blood trickled
down your arm.
All I could do was stare in disbelief.

It seems like things went downhill from there.
Your father just couldn't quit the bottle.
All the arguments and fights must have taken their toll.
Cop cars constantly visiting your house.
Yet, you still somehow managed to smile every time
we'd hang out.

Back in high school, we'd always chill together.
You'd always complain about the loser you were dating.
Losers like "Chad" or "Aaron".
It ****** me off how poorly they treated you.
If I wasn't so sheltered, I probably would have asked you out
back then.

I'll never forget the day you pulled up in your car.
That barely-running Plymouth with the busted bumper.
I remember you yelling at your parents.
Tears streaming from your eyes, as you ran across the street.
You threw your arms around me, announcing your grand
escape to the open road.
Your voice was cracking with sorrow as you spoke.
I did my best to comfort you, but I guess I doubted you back then.
****, that day was six years ago though...

I haven't felt much of anything since then.
I really hope you're doing well.
You'd love all the tattoos I've collected, So come back
and see them someday.
In the meantime, I think I'll stick around this dead-end town.