Pay Attention

When I was younger,

I always cried when you left for days on end,

But then I got used to it,

Used to that trend.

(But I really wish you'd pay attention.)

Were you home?

Or were you at work?

Were you across the ocean?

Or were you in the next room, sleeping?

I got older,

And I understood why you had to work so much.

It was so we could buy things from the store,

Clothing, food, band-aides, and a crutch—

For when my brother broke his leg.

You remember that, don't you?

I never used to mind much whenever you ignored me,

My success made you happy,

And I found that extraordinary.

(But I really wish you'd pay attention.)

But then that day came to pass,

The day that would change everything,

I remember being pushed down into the grass,

And a blinding pain shot through my face.

I knew you saw,

You saw it all,

But did you do anything to help?

No, you didn't even bother to call—

Out to me.

You stood there, you just stood there,

Staring at the fight with blank eyes,

Briefcase in one hand,

Listening with ears deaf to my cries.

I never used to mind much whenever you ignored me,

Now I find your apathy—

I find that extraordinary.

You hate me, I know,

For the choices I have made,

For everything I've reaped and had to show,

And the prices I have paid.

I'm beginning to hate you, too.

(But I really wish you'd pay attention.)

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This is really for my story Unrequited Sin, but I really wanted to post this separately, since it'll be a couple of chapters before this becomes relevant to the story at all.

It's also a rare occasion when I can actually write anything remotely resembling poetry. ;o;