He wakes before the sun can rise,
Dreams tucked deep behind his eyes.
Hands are rough, his heart is kind,
Carrying worlds within his mind.
For family, he fights each day,
Losing himself along the way.
He smiles so none can see his ache,
Then lights a smoke, for silence’s sake.
The stars have watched him drink the night,
Alone, beneath the faded light.
He burns his sorrow, sip by sip,
While pain and hope both start to slip.
Yet somewhere near, a girl just knows,
The storm he hides, the life he chose.
She loves him quiet, pure, and deep,
A secret she’s too shy to keep.
She wishes he could see her eyes,
That hold his worth beyond the skies.
For though his path is rough and dim,
Her heart forever prays for him.
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