Son of a Preacher

Tevin Slippy

I come from long car rides and a church steeple at midnight An empty piano sat amidst empty pews

I come from uncertain skies and mountains of expectations Each one left its mark

I come from a large family, each member with their own quirks Finding comfort in silence and being overlooked

I come from screams so silent and a rage so quiet An invisible storm only God can see

I come from a mother who taught her children how to pray The father held the scriptures with a frown so certain

I come from scattered toys that were flung in a hurry Children running from the fury

I come from scrubbing tables and learning hard work Forever my pillow will keep me safe

I come from unanswered guilt and years of lessons My sins have made me worthless

I come from shouts of shame with a bible in hand The son was flawed while the father was not