I write for that kid in school
abused at home & bullied in school
with thoughts of suicide or running away
with no friend in their corner feeling alone every day

I write for that man with a golden heart
dealing with ungrateful women tearing him apart
so used to losing that a win goes unappreciated
& a real man continues to this day to be hated
all because dogs have become loved with the hopes of change

I write for the pain within that I keep locked in
whether it's anger or depression that drives my pen
but it's my therapy & sometimes, my only friend
after spending my life defeating odds that I wouldn't win

I write for that woman feeling alone
heartbreak after heartbreak, crying at home
looking for the one thing she's never felt
when she already has it within herself
the lack of a father around so not sure who to love
but how to love, yearning for her white dove

I write for those dark days that only a few feel
diving in that liquor bottle & stuffed with pills
or a razor blade in hand drawing blood across the skin
wanting peace even if it means life will end

I write for the reader of this poem, you're just like me
a gifted troubled soul mixed in a dark world, just like me
blamed for everything & every loss, just like me
whether from family or yourself, you're guilty
but for the love of poetry & relief, you inspire me