i still remember the sharp pain of your nails in my wrist,
the throw of the little bottle that bruised my eyes for weeks
the scar is still there
but i have forgiven you.

how could i not? stuck, with sisters that wouldn’t listen,
a home- house- you couldn’t wait to escape from.
instead of the hatred that burned my eyes and nose,
the rage that held me by the throat, i now only pity you-
the you that lived in that house.

while i have forgiven, i will not forget.
the damage has been done, and you have scarred both mind and body.
and i will thank you for them,
as they are a testament to what i will not be.

i will not hurt my little sister as you had.
when she wants to talk, i will listen.
when she wants to play, i will oblige. 
when she cries, i will comfort her. 

i will be what you weren’t for me.