Life Lessons (or Lack Thereof)

It's hard to find a place to start.
This conversation ought to come from the heart,
But I'm not sure you care enough to hear it.
So instead of telling you face to face,
I'm going to try to find a way to tell you how I feel…
In all the years I lived with you, not one small moment was enough
To make me feel like I was loved.
I understand you had (have) your own problems,
And I understand you didn't (still don't) know how to deal…
But none of that is enough to excuse how inferior you made me feel.
A lot of times I tried to understand, tried to help,
But your harsh rebukes and sharp replies did NOTHING for
All the things that, from your mouth, did fly.

I've been called a "shit", a "brat", and a "worthless liar",
And I've had to find my own way to get by;
Lessons of life that should've come from you,
I had to teach myself and never knew
That because of abuse
I'd be stronger than ever-
Because of abuse, I know better;

Because of you,
I am who I am today.
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