You are a master of storytelling, and your voice would move stones. A subtler, more nuanced Johnny Cash, for want of a comparison.

The first bridge, the one you use, is (I feel) more optimistic, leaves a little hope to the listener. The alternative one is uncompromising and direct. Both work, I feel ... it just depends how much "to the bone" you want to go with the song, I feel.

The song is a masterpiece. I don't know how to emphasise that enough. On one hand, I wish I could write half like that, on the other hand, I don't have what it takes and it scares me to think what it might take to write like that.

It's an honour to listen. Thank you ever so much for sharing.