No chance, I know, that I linger in your mind
As often as you trespass through mine—
Claiming space not meant for you, not safe for you,
Unwelcomedly debilitating, halting my thoughts.

Even in your absence, I am plagued— no, HUNTED by your judgement.
Each choice I make, each thought I hold,
Tortured by your unforgiving gaze.
Alone, I am crushed beneath the weight of your scrutiny.

How dare I be human—imperfect, flawed.

Shame consumes me for every piece of myself I share,
Daring to exist beyond your expectations.
Though you may never see, never know, never care
I am held back—paralyzed,
By the echo of your disdain.

You’re the voice that haunts me, the shadow looming over my soul…
I kneel, repentant for sins unknown,
Scrubbing myself clean until I am completely raw,
Praying that one day I may be pure.

I only want to be enough—
To be accepted as I am,
Without feeling like the fraud you always made me out to be,
Without wearing the mask you forced upon me.
I only want to be good.

I am your favorite meal to feast upon,
Once a culinary work of art, a banquet of beauty—
Laid bare upon the table, an offering unbidden
Left to rot, sour, and spoil.
Untouched, yet devoured by your insatiable hunger…

Unappreciated and never spared.