Things that People Said Never Forgotten

You told me I was a blemish

and for as long as I can remember,

I believed you.

I called the acne on my face,

me 'growing into myself'

and you criticized me

for my appearance.

I wanted protection, but you gave me

barriers of things to climb over,

expectations to reach and standards to appeal to.

I'm worried ABOUT BECOMING LIKE YOU, so

I refused to receive your title.

I remember our conversations

like a giving ceremony,

I gave you my ears and listened

to all your crude remarks and all the 

things I failed you on.

I was never good enough,

still not, and yet you're 'proud of me'

I'm still at the waistside

that I feel by years ago,

waiting for an approval that never came,

that I know won't come, but I'm still waiting.

You called me a blemish,

now I try to make sure my face

stays clear of any imperfections.

I try to keep out of your way

but it is easier said than done.