More cathartic work inspired by my dysfunctional relationship with my dad... Geez, of all the things to write about...

Again, please don't mention my issues with my father...
Critique about the form, style, technique, or lack thereof... Anything except that...

I don't really want to talk about it.

Makes me wonder though, why I bother posting it... besides the fact that this wouldn't see the light of day, otherwise....
It's not my best work... At least, most of my other stuff is at least passable...

-Sm, 07/26/03

Inheritance

You arrogantly bragged about
how arrogant you weren't,
how you would willingly give
without receiving in return.

You proudly proclaimed
how you managed the family finances,
how we would be nothing without you.

But a pay-cheque was
worth more than
your daughter's dreams,

a couple of cents were
too much to spend on
your little girl's smile.

(...your little girl...?

I was never 'yours',
thankfully.
Everything you are,
I never want to be.)

So when you looked me in the eye,
when you said I would have

no inheritance,

I wasn't surprised.
It was almost expected.

I've lived
with you
long enough to know
what I'm worth to you,
and I'm old enough now
to make my own
dreams come true
in ways
you never could.