3 years.
That’s how long you were gone.
3 years,
I had no mother,
Though it still feels like I don’t.
You don’t know me.
My favorite color
Or my best friend,
Don’t know the nights I cried,
Depression twisting truths
And spitting lies,
All while you were away.

3 years,
My father watched my grow,
Helped me learn,
And showed my love.
All while you were away.

Sometimes,
You were simply behind a door,
Typically locked,
But when open,
I wasn’t allowed in.

If you can repeat any word
Or phrase
You said to me
Those 3 years
That weren’t
Manipulative
Or
Judgmental,
Maybe,
Though not likely,
I’d forgive you.
Forgive you for the
3 years
I locked myself away.