No Pretty Path Here

Give me your burdens , I will take your pain
never will forsake you when times are hard
sooth your wounds even hearts who're scarred
hold you closely even when you cry again

I've watched you cry alone for years
I listened to each and every scream
in a system that destroys each compassing dream
counted everyone along with all your fears

I understand more than you may know
though I never sought my love to share
you could not know how much I care
and read the heart you never show

I felt each nettle and it's sting
I was separated and far away
seeking coin and better pay
life prevented a better thing

Will you ever know how much distress
every fiber and thread of being
was not what you would be seeing
for me not to give you my very best

I opted for home and house
that violence not touch your life
to prevent that I accepted strife
and to do it without a faithless spouse

I did the best I think I could
I do not seek to justify
you know it would be a lie
with what little I understood

So many things in life are broken
you have all been my better part
so deeply rooted within my heart
as are the words we've never spoken

You never lift your voice to criticize
I used you all to keep me sane
my love for you was it's own gain
but there is disappointment in your eyes

Yes my choice if I could change
I think if coin hadn't been so dear
I would have opted to keep you near
I would our lives have rearranged