Accents of Home

He said my name soft at the schoolyard gate

I looked away, too young

to know

Dad wore his Sunday coat on a Tuesday rain Took two buses

just to make the meeting He asked the teacher,

careful with my name And I felt every turned head burning I

tugged his sleeve, said,

please talk less He smiled like I had not cut through

Now I hear that room go still again

And wish I had stood by you

He carried hills inside his vowels

A home he left but never lost

I only heard what made me different

Not what that difference cost

That accent was a river he crossed for me

A prayer in a language I was scared to keep

Every broken syllable

carried us through

It was courage, sacrifice,

and love speaking true

Oh father, I hear you now (ooh)

Years put silver in the family frame I found his letters in

a kitchen drawer Shift work stamps and careful pay A map of

all he saved us for Now at airports,

stores, and station doors I listen when old worlds shine through

A voice can bend and still stand tall Like his did,

honest and true

I called him one night

from a far-off place

My own voice tired,

my pride undone

He laughed and said,

take your time, my son

Love knows each road by the sound (hahaha)

That accent was a river he crossed for me

A prayer in a language I was born to keep

Every broken syllable

carried us through It was courage,

sacrifice, and love speaking true

Oh father, I hear you now I hear

you in my own voice now (ooh)