Still Standing, Just Not There

Taught to be a strong man

Don't cry, don't talk too deep

Just nod, provide, and carry weight

Then shoulder it when she leaves

They want you kind but not too bold

Smart, but not too wise

God forbid you've done the work

And see through shallow eyes

But you didn't see me leaving

No, you didn't see me leaving

You mistook my calm for weakness

But I'm gone

I built you fires from my soul

Made songs you never played

Laid tracks in gold beneath your feet

But you walked the other way

You said you wanted honesty

But flinched when I got real

Said depth was just intensity

And broke what we could heal

No, you didn't see me leaving

You thought I'd beg to stay

But I've danced with storms and prophets

I know when to walk away

So if you need soft silence

Find a man who doesn't burn

I'll be out past where the truth starts

Taking wisdom's final turn

You didn't see me leaving

But I'm gone

Yeah, I'm gone

Still standing—just not there