Buttered Toast

[Chorus] My hand still feels the warmth of buttered toast As you turn and walk away, a soldier's ghost This autumn Sunday morning, crisp and cold A story in my heart, forever told [Verse 1] The platform's quiet, iron rails gleam Scattered leaves, a dying golden dream Your backpack heavy, new and starkly brown Leaving this small town, leaving this small town [Pre-Chorus] I reached into my pocket, worn and deep A secret comfort I had planned to keep Your seven-year-old self, so brave and clear First time on the school bus, conquering fear [Chorus] My hand still feels the warmth of buttered toast As you turn and walk away, a soldier's ghost This autumn Sunday morning, crisp and cold A story in my heart, forever told [Verse 2] The whistle blows, a mournful, piercing sound Your silhouette against the sky profound I watched you go, a lump within my throat A fragile, whispered, final, loving note [Pre-Chorus] I saw your seven-year-old self again that day With wide, uncertain eyes, you turned away And now this bigger journey, far from home Leaving me to stand here, all alone [Chorus] My hand still feels the warmth of buttered toast As you turn and walk away, a soldier's ghost This autumn Sunday morning, crisp and cold A story in my heart, forever told [Bridge] The clock on the station, its shadow starts to fade A promise whispered, in the hush that's made I press my hand to my lips, a silent plea Come back to me, my son, come back to me [Outro] The toast grows cold inside your steady hand A soldier's duty I have come to understand But in my mind, the little boy still stands Lost in the echoes of these lonely lands