"A poem of love for my abusive mom."

At times, my heart yearned for your voice to ring,

To say you're sorry, and truly understand my suffering.

You witnessed my anguish when we left Dad's side,

Introduced a new love, and in me, it left a divide.

That fateful night, the knife, the pain, and the drinks,

You didn't intend to hurt, but the memory still stings.

It shattered you, my departure to be with our father,

His pride in no child support, an unwelcome bother.

You regret giving up when I needed you the most,

Choosing your husband, a decision I reproach.

My voice grows hoarse, expressing my disdain,

But sometimes I contemplate, "Never again."

I no longer care for the ties that bind us kin,

Yet deep inside, I hold empathy within.

I offer prayers, for that's what we both need,

I'm forging a better me, a different seed.

I halt my hand when I discipline my own,

Determined that your shadow won't be shown.

I shield them from the pain I once knew,

For your weakness, I've chosen love anew.

You've painted a portrait of what not to be,

A lesson in love, more profound than I could see.

To choose wiser and love with open hearts,

A legacy born from your fragmented parts.