I expect nothing good,
no kindness, no courtesy,
no respect.
I expect your garbage
dumped on me, sarcasm,
bitterness, arrows of spite…

I expect nothing good
but I’ve come to understand
that’s not what I deserve.
I am worthy of respect,
of thoughtfulness, of love.
I’ve learned where I can find it.
I no longer have to look to you
for my self-esteem. I’ve found it
not where you denied it, held it from me
but where it’s poured out with warmth.