A shot fired, a call gone awry
A son, husband, father, lost
A child watches, he wails a desperate cry
To save lives is an honor, but at what cost?
Gangs, rivalries, a kid on the street
A fight, a misunderstanding, a record
Picked up for petty crimes, on charges he did not meet
Joining a youth center which his mother preferred
A reputation, a player, the star quarterback
A watchful eye, getting too close
A cabin, a trip, time to pack
Swimming and drinking, too high of a dose
Unforgettable happenings, tears unshed
Was he imagining it?
The reality settles in as he's taken to bed
A sinking feeling deep in his pit
Fake smiles, fake happy tales
Lying to his mother, lying to the world
The record is sealed, his popularity sails
When he sees him, his lips are curled
Moving on, moving out
College bound, a future awaits
He hopes others are safe, but there is doubt
An injury, a career switch, perhaps the stars' fates?
Flash forward, a man, strong as can be
Saving lives, living his own
Always the funny man when in company
A secret held within, until it is blown
Framed once again
Face to face with him
He wishes he'd never gotten on that plane
Confronting a victim, the mood getting dim
Secrets come to light
Apologies are left unsaid
Never again alone in the fight
Feeling alive, no longer wishing to be dead