Don’t tell my mama I was out that late.

Don’t tell my mama I was out that late
(She still think I pray before I eat)
Don’t tell my mama I was wide awake
(When I said I was asleep)
I know she see the good in me
But she don’t see the weight
Don’t tell my mama where I been —
Just tell her I’m okay.

Kitchen table still got dents
From the nights she bowed her head intense
Hands folded tight like debt unpaid
Prayers stacked higher than the mess I made

I said “I’m straight,” she said “I know”
That tone hit deeper than a lecture go
She ain’t naïve, just hopeful still
That kind of faith hard to outgrow

Told her I’m working, chasing dreams
Didn’t mention what the chasing means
Didn’t mention I been dodging calls
When conviction ring through everything

I keep receipts I never show
Guilt move quiet, heavy though
I wash my face before I drive
Like water make the choices slow

She think I’m steady
She think I’m strong
She think I’m closer to God than wrong

Don’t tell my mama I was out that late
(She still think I pray before I eat)
Don’t tell my mama I was wide awake
(When I said I was asleep)
I know she see the good in me
But she don’t see the weight
Don’t tell my mama where I been —
Just tell her I’m okay.

Sunday suit still in my trunk
Wrinkled up from Saturday’s funk
I know the verses, know the tone
Just don’t live ‘em when I’m alone

She say “You good?” I say “For sure.”
Truth sit heavy at the door
I step around it, laugh it off
Like I ain’t heard that knock before

Late-night lights, low-phone glow
Half-typed text I never show
Rearview mirror, eyes don’t hold
Staring at a version sold

I ain’t wild, just inconsistent
Spirit willing, flesh resistant
She raised me different — I know that
That’s why the guilt feel permanent.

She don’t ask too many questions.
She just says, “Come home safe.”
And somehow that feel heavier
Than if she knew everything.

Don’t tell my mama I was out that late
(She still think I’m better than me)
Don’t tell my mama I hesitate
(When I say who I’m gon’ be)
She see the light I’m hiding from
She call it faith
Don’t tell my mama where I been —

Tell her I’m trying.