You Stopped Calling Me Dad

You used to run to meet me Every time I walked through the door. Now I hear your car outside, But you don't knock anymore. I still sit in the same old chair Like nothing's really changed. But somewhere in the years between, You stopped saying my name. I don't know when it happened. I just know it did. You stopped calling me Dad. Like it didn't mean a thing. Like all those years I held you close Were just some distant dream. I would've given everything Just to hear it one more time. But silence took its place, And I was left behind. I remember every lesson, Every word I tried to say. You said you'd always need me, But you slowly walked away. Maybe I was too quiet. Maybe I got it wrong. Maybe I thought we had forever To fix what's going on. Now I replay every moment, Wonder where I lost you. You stopped calling me Dad. Like I wasn't who I was. Like the man who raised you up Was never good enough. I would've opened every door. I would've tried again. But you closed the distance slowly And never let me in. Oh. I'm not asking for forever. I'm not asking you to stay. Just one word from your heart again would take This pain away. You stopped calling me Dad, oh, But I still call you son. Even in this quiet life, You'll always be the one. And if one day you remember Who I used to be, I'll be right here where I've been, Waiting patiently. You stopped calling me Dad, But I never stopped Being yours.