"Waiting for my Dawn." I lived through the Floyd riots in dwntwn PDX, the hardest period of my life

I WAS ALREADY HOME A Life Interrupted, but Not Defeated [INTRO — Soft piano and cello, almost whispered] The world kept turning without me, While I watched it from my room. They said the darkness wouldn't last, But nobody said how soon. [VERSE 1] I marched across the bridge for justice, I understood the people's pain. But somewhere between peaceful marches Came nights of terror, fire and rage. I watched the flames rise toward the heavens, Heard explosions through the night. I begged for peace outside my doorway, Just one night to close my eyes. [PRE-CHORUS — Drums slowly enter] They told us all to stay inside, Six feet apart, nowhere to hide. Behind our windows, frightened souls, We had no place that we could go. [CHORUS — Full band, powerful raspy female vocal] I WAS ALREADY HOME! Where was I supposed to go? The world unlocked its doors one day, And everybody walked away. But mine stayed shut, the years rolled on, And I'm still waiting for my dawn. I'm tired of being brave alone, When I was already home! [VERSE 2] My neighbors called their little rooms Pre-casket coffins, cold and bare. Two veterans told me they were frightened, Not knowing who would help them there. I walked outside and spoke my anger, They followed me back to my door. They knocked me down and ran off laughing, I couldn't take much anymore. [PRE-CHORUS — Music pulls back] I lost some friends who wouldn't listen, Lost the trust I thought I'd found. I went for help to heal my trauma, But my words were questioned, drowned. [CHORUS — Stronger, backing harmonies] I WAS ALREADY HOME! Where was I supposed to go? The world unlocked its doors one day, And everybody walked away. But mine stayed shut, the years rolled on, And I'm still waiting for my dawn. I'm tired of being brave alone, When I was already home! [BRIDGE — Piano and cello, deeply emotional] I've held my daughter in my heart Through forty years of grief and prayer. I never thought another chapter Would leave me feeling so much despair. Now they count the crowds returning, Celebrate the city's streets. But who's counting all the lonely? Who's counting nights we couldn't sleep? [INSTRUMENTAL — Emotional electric guitar solo] [VERSE 3 — Music begins building toward hope] I want to hear the morning songbirds, I want a friend to hold me tight. I want to wake without remembering Every terrifying night. I want to write about tomorrow Without yesterday in every line. I want to live, I want my freedom, I want my life to feel like mine! [FINAL CHORUS — Triumphant, full band and backing vocals] I WAS ALREADY HOME! But now I know where I must go. The world unlocked its doors one day, And someday I will find my way. My roots held strong, the years rolled on, And I'm still reaching for my dawn. I won't spend forever here alone, I'll find a place to call my home! [OUTRO — Music softens; voice intimate, then builds] I wasn't born to live in darkness. I wasn't meant to die alone. I wasn't asking for a kingdom. I was only asking for a home. And when they ask me how I made it, How I survived those endless nights, I'll tell them sorrow wrote the verses, But hope refused to leave my side. [FINAL BUILD — Drums, electric guitar, soaring vocals] They thought the winter might destroy me, But my roots were stronger than they knew. And when I finally find my springtime... I WON'T SIMPLY SURVIVE... I'LL BLOOM! [Hold the final note. Instruments fade, leaving a single piano note.]