Father Time

Reminiscing father time
My son's about to be five
Look back at me and mine
My only parent survives

One divorce and two losses
Father Time baring crosses
I remember the teachings
Paid attention when he's speaking

Life always comes full circle
I've jumped over many hurdles
I was causing gray hairs
I was a part of many prayers

I understand why you worry
I admit that I'm sorry
Being a father alters ego
Now I weigh odds like a casino

My life isn't my own
So I gotta make it back home
Raise Tony up to be grown
Shorty can't do it alone

I thank you for examples
I held you up on many mantles
After Ma resorted to heaven
Life changed at age eleven

Stayed true to obligations
Help me overcome situations
True definition of real
Words can't express how I feel

I feel for those without fathers
Cry for those without mothers
I just wanna live up to your honor
Your eyes show pain you suffer

Please don't die alone
Why can't time be postponed
Will Ma be in the unknown
I'm shaking down to my bone

Life's a trial of twists and turns
Cycles repeat and returns
A few blessings or lessons
But you gotta keep progressing

You taught me that with tough love
And a lotta tested patience
Yo Pops I'm forever gracious
Love without limitations

Passed on from generation
A legacy through creation
The Taliercio name
Carried from cradle to grave

A testament of time
My son carrying the sign
Of what legacies came before
Like sand washing ashore

We exist to manifest
Pieces of what's fleeting
Precious like an amethyst
Cause time's never retreating

I didn't hear I listened
Life has got me conditioned
Now like diamonds I glisten
Cause I worked hard for this position

And I learned that from my hero
My Dad started from zero
A real man sacrifices
Paying his dues and prices

I didn't make it easy
Hearing cracks in your voice
Wondering if I live freely
Stemming from a wrong choice

Collect calls behind jail walls
Future was looking grim
Look how the mighty falls
I had to lose in order to win

You held onto your faith
Questioning if you failed your youngest
Proud of what I became
Cause of you I'm the strongest

I stopped living with excuses
Results effort produces
All from a blue collar hustler
Are you a boss or a customer

Exactly what I needed
An example of a provider
So when I felt defeated
You told me to elevate higher

Now it's on me to lead Tony
Live by truth never be phony
I thank you for the guidance
Even through my defiance

Given the circumstances
You were able to manage
A rebellious teen
And a life that was damaged

Lyrics or words can't do justice
You're the reason my life adjusted
Can I be half the man you are
A wish placed on a shooting star