Pouring From An Empty Cup

Listen, friend, I didn’t show up as you expected,
Sorry, I’ve been hurt for so long.
My family never showed me how to love,
Caring wasn’t a virtue practiced in our home.

Listen, friend, I long to pour love like you do,
To show you the love you’ve always shown me.
But sorry, my cup is empty, no love to give,
My heart, barren—no love to receive or share.

Listen, friend, they say the first ones you meet shape you,
And I met people, selfish, always chasing their desires,
Leaving behind holes that others must fill,
Holes left for future souls to mend.

Listen, friend, you say they are family—that’s true,
But am I not family too?
Please, don’t rush me to forgive them,
For the stone in my heart takes time to melt.

Listen, friend, the inner screams are loud,
The child inside still grieves in pain.
The memories of repeated wounds still sting,
The scars they left when I showed up differently.
Please understand, when I show up as I am.