Since the day that he was born, and I held him to my chest, He’s been the one to witness how my spirit’s put to test. From a newborn in my arms, through the years of growing tall, He’s been the only constant who has seen me through it all. Eight years of watching shadows, eight years of staying near, The only one who truly stayed to catch every single tear. ​He’s seen me call for help so much, since he was small and new, Watching for a partner who would finally follow through. He’s been with me through every time that we were left alone, Building up a life within a world we’ve survived on our own. From his first steps to his school days, he’s watched the physical toll, And felt the emotional earthquakes that have shaken up my soul. ​At only eight years old, he knows the history of my pain, He’s lived inside the story of the struggle and the strain. When I am trapped within my mind and the past begins to bloom, His is the only presence that can light up every room. He’s seen me at my "messed up" worst, when I was drowning in the hurt, And he never looked away from me or left me in the dirt. ​It’s a long and heavy road for a boy who’s only eight, To be the witness to a life that’s been decided by fate. He’s seen me ignored by the world and the one who should be here, While he’s the only soul who’s stayed through every single year. From a newborn to this moment, he has carried half the load, Walking right beside me on this isolated road.