I grew up
wanting to be you
because you were
cool and mature

the cigarettes,
the alcohol,
the ***

the peak teenage life
that this little boy
idolized

and in the end
I did end up like you

but I realized you've always been
a scared, scarred child
like me

and the life that we chose
isn't really a choice

it's the curse that came
from an old man's ***** hands

and while you tried to wash it off
you dragged me into the bathtub

and your
beautifully manicured hands
were filthy

you grabbed my wrist so hard
you might have broke it if I tried to resist

I wish I had snapped my arm out from your grip
and shouted for my brother

but I didn't do that
I kept quiet

because I wanted to be cool like you

You are the notes to my staff
Together we create music
That transcends languages
Tickling the ears
And strumming the hearts
Of everyone we touch

You are the ink to my paper
Together we create stories
That will be passed down
From generation to generation
Leaving the reader filled with hope
That they too will find true love

You are the match to my fuse
Together we make fire
All it takes is one touch
For you to light me up
Shining bright
For the world to see

Twinkling Christmas lights
Brighten up December nights

Freezing cold air
Wind tousling my hair

Raindrops turn to snow
Putting on a beautiful show

Curled up by a fire ablaze
My favorite way to end each day

Music, laughter, and Christmas cheer
Hustle and bustle as the holidays near

You ask me why it’s so hard to forgive you;
I ask you why it’s so easy to hurt me.

When you hurt me, I cry.
If I hurt you, I cry.

I deserve the love I keep trying to give you,
Don’t you see?

You can’t reciprocate the love I keep giving to you.
Why can’t I see?