The Unloved

This poem is about the way a child feels when a parent doesn't seem to care.

You say you love me,
But you don't.
You can't;
Not with the way you talk to me,
The way you treat me.

I try hard to be perfect for you,
And I succeed;
But that's not good enough.
I'm not good enough,
Not for you.

You only have hurtful words,
Words to break my spirit,
To kill me inside,
But I remain strong,
And that kills you.

You try to keep me here,
Cage me with your guilt,
Make me feel like I can't live without you,
Like I'm worthless,
But I'm not.

The things you say,
They cut me like a knife,
But they will not kill me.
I am strong,
And I will overcome you.

I will leave,
And never come back,
And you will wish,
Wish that you had loved me,
Like a daughter deserves to be loved.