the years have tempered my anger and resentment
the realization that i’m far from perfect settling like fine wine
and right now it’s your birthday
and all i wish is to have a drink with you one last time

i’ll listen to you tell me your stories, and when the mood hits
(and it always does), sing your favorite songs
they all say i inherited your smile and your laughter
how i wish we could right all the wrongs

but no one can tell us who to love
sometimes, our minds are simply not as strong
to stop what the heart wants and whoever it desires,
for even the biggest hearts end up getting it all wrong

but that’s okay. i’m finally old enough to know
that you did your best and that i did, too
going through this life walking such different paths
without you knowing who i really am, or me knowing you.