I can’t say I hate you, Because the words feel too dry. I hate what you did to me, I hate what you let happen to me, I hate that you didn’t protect me… Maybe it’s harsh, But the truth is harsh - No child should have to save their parent. No child should have to fight to be loved, No child should have to fight a monster. You betrayed me on so many levels… You thanked me for my silence – My compliance with your ideal that no one needed to know. You berated me for not simply dealing, With not knowing how to cope, With the violations against my mind and flesh, The truth is harsh, But the truth is you weren’t there for me. Even now, When your words could have made a difference, You decided to look after only you. I didn’t matter enough unless you wanted something from me. I didn’t matter unless you needed something from me. Harsh but true. You abandoned me in all but physicality, Discounting my right to be, Snooping to make sure no one found out, What you’d allowed under your watch. I