What ells can you do to tear me apart?
Break me into shards and scatter them with spiteful words,
hit me with grotesque absentees,
lies so troubling,
so dark and malicious,
one would never dream you were speaking of your daughter.

I see light now.
Packed my bags,
socks,
shoes,
an all my CDs.

I see you now,
an know I can walk away easier.
Say “shut your mouth,”
with no fear of latter consequences.

I can’t say I will forgive you soon…
someday I’ll let it go.
Become an adult
an rinse away childhood dreams of acceptance.

I’ll just wait for the two short words I long for you to say…
Or better yet,
the three short words I never hear you utter.

So give me your hate.
Give me the pain.
I’ll dispose of what I can
an consume the rest.

I’m not a child.
My legs strong enough to support my troubles
as easily as the sinew and muscles that make me whole.

I don’t cry to myself anymore.
Tears long consumed by more important madders.

I offer my hand.
Smile an take it.
or turn away
An never look back.

We are family.
Are we not?
Understand I never meant to take the colors from your eyes.
Or the rich tints from your hair.
Forgive what makes me human.
An except your God-given flaws
as you forgive mine.
I’ll hold your hate
If you hold my love.

Just give it time.
I think that’s all there is left
Between you an me.