2nd Place | “Rough Draft”

2nd Place
“Rough Draft”
Stanley Sparks
Boiling Springs, South Carolina

A forty hour week, but it’s Wednesday night at eight
Another missed soccer game and cold, dinner plate
A visit to the nursing home to see his old man
His Dad’s time is getting short, it’s all in God’s hands
His Dad said, “Son, thirty years ago, I was you
Let me tell ya, boy, don’t follow in my shoes”

(Chorus)
He said, “While you chase that second comma in your 401k
You’re missing out on the little things every single day
Be there for your family and don’t forget how to laugh
My obituary is written, but yours is a rough draft

He stopped in the flower shop he passes every day
He never thought about stopping in until today
He pulled in the driveway, his kids were playing with chalk
They outlined his body, as they sat around and talked
He gave his wife some roses and his kids a big balloon
They all said, “Why can’t every day be like this afternoon”

(Chorus)
While you chase that second comma in your 401k
You’re missing out on the little things every single day
Be there for your family and don’t forget how to laugh
My obituary is written, but yours is a rough draft

(Bridge)

His dad passed, he changed careers, now he’s home every night
It took his dad’s words of wisdom for him to get it right

(Chorus)
While you chase that second comma in your 401k
You’re missing out on the little things every, single day
Be there for your family and don’t forget how to laugh
My obituary is written
My obituary is written
My obituary is written
But yours is a rough draft