We share the same name and many of the same ways
I see your features when I look at my face
You were a proud dad but with demons
Parted for portions of my childhood with you in prison
Yet away or with me I knew you cared
Always attempted to be a good father when you were there
Conversations and laughs shared while you cut my hair
Instilling a love of nice suits, jazz, and blues
Teaching me self sufficiency and how to use tools
I still remember the call saying you died from pills
13 years later it still doesn’t feel real
A day before the superbowl where Prince performed Purple Rain
The water cascading from clouds mirrored my face tear stained
I cried as Doves Cry played on the TV
No amount of weed or liquor able to relieve me
Maybe I’m just like my father two fold
At your body viewing touching your face that was too cold
I forgive you for your faults I know you did your best
A black man growing up when you did had to face so many test
You beat racism, prison, and an addiction to crack
But even at your worst you always had my back
We share a name so you are called when my name is spoken
I see you sometimes in dreams
Then remember you’re gone when I’m woken.