Sleeping with my shoes on

I slept with my shoes on, the night before kindi
Far too eager to ready, set, go!
Teacher said I was too big for my boots
And algebra wouldn't be taught until high school

I slept with my shoes on, the night before book parade
Impatient to display my moon-explorer foil
Teacher said only Americans traveled through space
And I was not American

I slept with my shoes on, when dad was beating mum
Prepared at any moment to run run run
Mum said I was smart
We managed to get to safety

I slept with my shoes on, when I was a delinquent teen
Plotting and planning to sneak out after dark
My crew met me in the alley
We ruled the midnight streets
Came home just in time to hide my trophies

I slept with my shoes on, after clubbing all night
Passed-out on a mate's couch
Savouring all those princess-kisses wrapped up in a drunken grin
Memorizing new phone numbers until the break of dawn

I slept with my shoes on, when you'd just been born
Microsleeping between visits to the incubating room
Nurses agreed you were beautiful as I held you proudly in my arms

I slept with my shoes on, while flying away from you
Heart in my throat
I cursed life for its cruelty
Your mother said not to leave her
Yet her demands deliberately impossible

I slept with my shoes on, when I was homeless again
Had to guard my possessions from thieves on the prowl
Your mother had taken my every last penny
Had sabotaged my career

I have slept with my shoes on, every five-hour ferry ride to the island
Butterflies in my stomach whenever I come to see you
Your smile lights up my life
And it remains until the next time we meet

Even when I am barefoot son,

Know that I am always

Sleeping with my shoes on