I believe it was a Tuesday morning!
I remember I had a reason to wake up -
To squeeze the last bit of toothpaste
from the tube.
To get right back in the ******* loop.

I believe I caught a glimpse of a child
Through the foggy bathroom mirror,
laced with my minty breath.
It felt strange...
I took offense at his looks,
the way he eyed me down.
In his defense though,
I had caught him with his guards down.

He didn't say much,
not that he did anyway.
Just nodded softly at me,
whispered almost,
'Alright! Guess I'll be going then...'
With a flicker of a smile
never to be seen again.

I believed at the time it was best for him
To not see the light on my face go dim
Didn't realize then I'd pay such a solemn price;
As I let him go, not thinking twice.

I believe it came quite naturally to me -
Finding good reasons not to be.
That day, I found yet another;
It was just enough to help me see -
The error of my ways...
Like a rat in a maze, how I end up
reliving the worst of my days.

I still believe I could turn things around.
Give the kid a reason to be proud.
I'd whisper softly into the foggy bathroom mirror,
'We're Ok, little buddy...
Everything's going to be Ok!'
I believe I could get him to say,
'Alright... I'll stay!'