To the person I tried to look up to,

Because of you

I learned the meaning of hate,

But not why you hated me.

 

Because of you,

I realized things you owned

Were more irreplaceable

Than the daughter who tried her hardest to please you.

 

Because of you,

I found out that

Your decade old problems

Were more important than any problem I’ll ever have.

 

Because of you,

I forgot the meaning

Of being homesick,

Because a home is where you feel safe.

 

Because of you,

I’d rather be sitting alone

In the middle of nowhere

Than to be in your presence.

 

Mom,

Because of you

I forgot what love feels like,

But I know how awful words can hurt.