You Never Asked

I don't know when I decided I had to choose between expecting nothing and expecting disappointment.

Every time, for the longest time, I chose to expect you to show up for me, but I guess I learned the outcome would never be what I wanted.

You would choose anything over me, toss me crumbs, and call me ungrateful if I did not lick them off the ground at your feet.

I can't do it anymore, this sacrifice of my own best interests to take care of yours, the way I can hear your voice in my head

I never asked you to do that

because you knew you never had to.