Started insulting
Myself first as a child
As a way to protect myself
So when I heard the hate
Out loud, it wouldn't really
Bother or affect me
That was such a farce
I didn't know better
Had no counseling, or counselors
Just abusive negativity
Served hot, cold, or indifferent
On every single silver plated
Platter.
Even as an adult
It has made my life's
Decision-making processes alone
That much more questionably
Harder.
As a mom myself, I regret
Inadvertently passing that
Level of hatred effortlessly
To my daughters.
And have had to try even harder
For my own self esteem
To recover.