you wanted louder
so i increased the volume
and let my emotions fend for themselves
you wanted softer
so i released my fists
and took blows that i did not deserve
you wanted more
so i stopped speaking
and let so many things slide
that i would not have tolerated before
but you asked & asked
and my love for you
would not let me refuse
so i became
less of me
and more like
your idea of me…

you wanted true love for ever
so i said okay
and now i hide behind your ideals