Riding near the back of a Greyhound bus
A place that was deemed good enough for us
A slight of which I was oblivious
To me, this trip became a solid plus

Headed up North and away from the South
Sick and tired of living from hand to mouth
Couldn't wait to live in a real brick house
Just wanted to sit on my auntie's couch

It was cold up there, but we did not care
Because we had caps to cover our hair
There were blankets for all of us to share
Stayed happy even when cupboards were bare

Daddy found work and my mama did too
Things got better and we managed to move
I knew better than to break daddy's rule
Studied really hard and did well in school

Saturday was set aside as fun day
And of course, we went to Church on Sunday
The routine began again on Monday
Hoped to gain my independence someday

The day came when I graduated
This was a time I anticipated
It came when we were well situated
The reward for hard work, was created

The Army called and I enlisted
Went off to fight the war, two-fisted
Kept my head down like my mom insisted
Came home early, mind and body twisted

I found a job and I began to work
Married my girl, though I was still a jerk
My duties as a husband, I did shirk
Obviously, someone would soon be hurt

She went to court and obtained a divorce
Tried to make her obey, by using force
I acted like the backside of a horse
Still oblivious, failed to show remorse

My heart is hurt, but I refuse to cry
Needed to change, but I refused to try
Lived like a fool, this I cannot deny
I am now alone, just waiting to die.