Duplicity

She said she did not know
how my dad could love me so.
What she meant to say
was she was jealous
of love given freely
even when it is difficult.

He said I’d be so pretty
if I’d just lose five pounds.
What he meant to say
was he was cheating,
in need of an excuse
to assuage his guilt.

He said nobody loved me,
without him, I’d be alone.
What he meant to say
was he was fearful
of my eyes finding
a way out from his grasp.

I said I was unworthy
of being loved for me.
What I say now
is hurt people hurt,
but I live a life of love,
redeemed.





Poetry by Melinda K Zarate The PoetBay support member heart!
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Written on 2026-05-25 at 03:45

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Griffonner The PoetBay support member heart!
For me, reading this poem. I am struck by what I see as a very honest and deliberate assessment of the duality of Ones parents. Those of us who know how there can be an abuse in the way a parent parents, can understand how it is necessary to evaluate how that has impressed itself upon us throughout our lives. Sometimes more severely than for others.
For me. rather like your final lines, There was a simple final summation - after both of them had gone on to pastures new - and that was that both the good and the bad had helped make me how I am now, and as I am easy in my skin, I must thank them for it. Blessings and brotherly love, Allen
2026-05-25


Sameen The PoetBay support member heart!
What a powerful poem! I love how you turned it around at the end there.
2026-05-25