Hurt People, Hurt People
His many parts: neglected and abused, caring and compassionate, and murderous
Chaos and dysfunction — the foundation of my formative years
You ask me to identify my transformational experiences Fuck you! Every day has molded me
On the streets by five, unloved
Gang induction by ten, acceptance
I did things no adolescent — no one — should do Or have done to them
I just wanted — want — to be loved
Y’all just don’t understand
When I do well, you offer praise When I act out, you cast judgment
I couldn’t care less
I just want to be loved, unconditionally I just want to be accepted, unconditionally I just want to be validated, unconditionally
But it hasn’t happened and will never…
Yesterday they congratulated me for completing the program For changing For maturing
Today, I sit on this chair In this living room
With reddened hands Reddened, shaking hands
Gazing at yet another unliving body
They will not be proud today I will not be loved today