After All These Years

I became everything you wanted me to be

And I did it all without you here

Four years, seven years, nearly ten

But saying hello felt different this time

I prepared myself for months to see you

I thought it would be the same

You'd wave me over and I would melt

Into your arms like I was a kid again

Through my viewfinder I scanned

Taking in the beautiful mountains

When I snapped the photo and noticed

You were already standing there

I was unafraid to see your face that day

My hands were steady, I felt secure

Talking with you was easier now

And I realized I no longer knew you

And later that evening, you held me close

Told me you miss me everyday

You said you love me and I said it back

But it hurt only because I didn't mean it

My life is everything you wanted for me

And I'm building it all on my own

After all these years and all the false hope

Telling me you were proud meant nothing