You Never Told

I watched my reflection in the mirror.
Sad, black eyes.
Scarred, pale skin.
Bruised, dark lips.
Waiting for that one last kiss.
When I was strong enough,
I fell on the floor and watched.
Everything else collapsed.
You caught me.
I hated you for that so long.

Why did you tell me I was beautiful?
I was dying all the time.
Too ugly to be called alive.
More like an animal.

Why did you tell me I was smart?
I couldn't even count the days of despair.
Those names I have been given.
Words to describe who I am.

Why did you touch my hair?
I wanted you to back off.
Life is never fair.
I don't want to take what I don't deserve.

Why did you love me?
There was nothing left to be loved.
Everything had been burned away.
Torn apart.

Why do you still cry?
I may be now gone.
But it's only called justice.
I have found a place to call home.
Not peace.
But as close as it gets.
No more regret.

Why haven't you already forgotten?