This Is for My Family, Blood or Water

*Write Club Post*

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This is for the liar who can’t ever hear the truth.

I can never trust your lips, but I don’t care.

You taught me I can trust your heart.

I’m sorry I never believe you,

But I want you to know I love you.

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This is for the abuser who can’t let go of belt lashes and face slaps.

Though I can’t ever look at your face the same,

You taught me to notice the pain in others,

To find the shoes they’re walking in and try them on.

I’m sorry I always judge you,

But I want you to know I love you.

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This is for the rebellious little girl who never felt love her first year of life.

Your fists ball up in anger and you scream,

Because you don’t know how to tell us what you feel.

You taught me how to communicate without words.

I’m sorry I haven’t listened as much as I should,

But I want you to know I love you.

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This is for the diet queen on the verge of anorexia.

Growing up, you always called me a stick,

Even though I hated my body.

You taught me not to be so harsh on myself.

I’m sorry I didn’t help you feel more comfortable with yourself,

But I want you to know I love you.

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This is for the extrovert who gives out more love than she’s given.

You taught me physical touch isn’t always a bad thing,

Taught me love doesn’t have to be conditional.

And now there’s not a day we don’t hug in the middle of the hallway.

I’m sorry I don’t reciprocate everything you’ve given me,

But I want you to know I love you.

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This is for the introvert who can’t get past anxiety.

You’ve been with me since freshman year

And I can’t imagine ever saying goodbye.

You taught me it’s okay to be myself sometimes.

I’m sorry I always forget your birthday,

But I want you to know I love you.

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This is for the mother who always feels underappreciated.

Our relationship is strained and complicated

We don’t really get along lately,

But you’ve done so much for me.

You taught me how to live.

I’m sorry I don’t like being around you,

But I want you to know I love you.

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This is for my family, blood or water.

You break my heart everyday, but you make me want to breathe.

I see the look in your eyes,

I see the pain.

And I’m sorry.

I’m sorry this world can be so cruel,

I’m sorry I can’t fix everything you’re going through, it makes me sick.

But I can love you

I can love you for who you are

Because that’s all you need to be for me.

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I’m sorry,

But I want you to know I love you.

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-The Splintered Pencil