Efflorescence

Parents.

If only you said you're proud of us, for each time you called us a disappointment
If only you said you were there for us, instead of only insinuating it
If only you said it is OK to fall, for each time you reprimanded us
If only you said you mean well, for each time you shush-ed us in fear of "shame"
If only you said you believed in us, for each time you spoke highly of the 'accomplished' cousin
If only you said we looked good, for each time you said we need to lose weight, comb our hair, wear earrings
If only you said you were glad we figured most things on our own, for each time you called us ignorant and foolish 
If only you said you trusted us, for each time you questioned us in doubt

If only you said, instead of just working for it
If only you complimented, instead of assuming we would not require validation
If only you admitted you too are hurt, instead of assuming we will comprehend
If only you surrendered to healing, before believing that we were your medication

If only you told us you loved us, for each time you said we were "good for nothing, ungrateful failures".

If only.

That's alright. Not your fault. Vicious cycle. Emotional abuse.

We love you, are thankful for you, forgive you, and have determined to cease the cycle with us.
We will not pass it on to our children.
We will first get healed, then release it upon them.
We will first love ourselves and then love them.

We know. We feel you. We understand.
We stop right here.

(c)


Picture credits - Real Images
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