Prodigal Son
I’ve been doing some thinking lately about parents and children. I hear stories of people who have been rejected by their parents- because they are gay, or have the wrong politics, or just don’t follow their parents into the family business. I find this utterly unfathomable- both as a parent who cannot conceive of ever losing touch with, let alone rejecting my child,- and also as a child who knows for certain that my own parents’ love for me is unwavering and unconditional.
So yesterday I wrote this song.
Hey there Mom and Dad, I wonder how you are today,
And I wonder if you wonder how I ever got so far away?
How long has it been since you called to say hello?
How many Christmases and birthdays did I celebrate alone?
When you gather all your loved ones at the table, do you set a place for me?
Or is there no room for this black sheep on your happy family tree.
Once I was your precious child and I followed you everywhere.
Once you held me in your arms and laughed as you tossed me in the air.
Well I’m a thousand miles away tonight, singing you this song
And I’m trying to remember just when went wrong.
Was it when I grew my hair too long, or was it when I walked away
From the path you’d chosen for me? Was that the fateful day?
But I don’t regret the things I have done
Though it means I never can return as your prodigal son
Still my heart can’t stop hoping that your heart will find a way
To love me as I am…. some day…
I always do unto others as I’d have done to me
And I try to live my life with courage, faith and honesty
And if that’s not enough to earn me your respect
Well I’ve done nothing wrong- there’s nothing to correct
But clearly, you’ve decided to wash your hands of me
For the awful sin of being who I was born to be.
Bridge: I’m sorry I didn’t turn out like you wanted me to
That I’m not rich enough, or famous, or normal, like you- I’m just me…
Though it means I never can return as your prodigal son
Still my heart can’t stop hoping that your heart will find a way
To love me as I am…. some day…
We just see the world though different eyes: it’s clear we never will agree
But you know, I never have looked down on you for not being more like me.
I can change my address for you, or how I comb my hair,
Drive a different car or change the clothes I wear
But I can’t change the things deep inside me that make me who I am
And I believe I too, am part of God’s plan.
And you never will accept me the way I hoped you would.
Still, my heart can’t stop hoping that your heart will find a way
To love me as I am…
Though it means I never will return as your prodigal son
Still my heart can’t stop hoping that your heart will find a way
To love me as I am…. some day…
Someday…
Tracy Meisky is a poet, writer, singer, songwriter and all-around boat rocker from way back. Feel free to look around, but if you break it, you bought it.