Father

You didn't break my heart, you broke my mind

You were supposed to teach me love, instead you taught me hate and pain

Instead of trust, you taught me how to flinch when someone moves their hands to quickly

Instead, you taught me how to be distrustful with anyone who stepped into my life  

Instead of happiness, you taught me how to cry in silence

And I don't hate for it, not anymore at least

I forgive you

I forgive you for your painful words, for the slammed doors

For the screaming

For the bruises and bloody noses 

I forgive you

Not because I want to, but because I need to, to move on

Because this time you won't hold me back and call it love