Fear Is Not Respect

I did not respect you.

you tossed me around,

and when I struggled to stand,

you'd throw me back down.

I was terrified of you,

I was in excruciating pain,

I suffered and endured at such a young age.

I think you were scared

your ego would bruise.

so you made my body and mind

take your abuse.

does that make you a man,

breaking a young child?

beating her into submission?

until she can no longer smile?

because I think a man protects,

and he loves with all his heart.

he provides for his children

from the very start.

but where were you

when you weren't causing me pain?

you broke me in half,

you drove me insane.

I didn't know how to fix myself

after you left,

I was relieved you were gone

but alone with the mess.

the mess you made me.

The me that I dread.

Just because I believed

every lie you ever said.

But listen here,

I am so much more.

I'm not worthless or fat or stupid

And I sure do not belong on the floor.

I am strong.

Stronger than you'll ever be.

Because i don't need to hurt others

to feel free.

I do not respect you

or your hurtful ways.

People are disposable,

no one is a 'phase'.

I'm not scared of you anymore.

What you put me through,

I overcame.

I did it all without you,

And i'd do it again.