Regret

I remember the heartbreak you felt at my every careless word I recall each tear that through my naivete you endured Our discussions never ended the way you had planned Let alone chores, even meals I absconded Avoiding your gaze was my teenage aim Yet your heart succumbed merely hearing my name Your patience during my indistinct war never went unnoticed And your fears amid my indestructible reign I appreciated Each time you tried to reason with my arrogance Every night you spent fervently praying my safe entrance I realize now what childishness that had been And ashamedly request forgiveness for being mean I thank you for being there for me always Through all the years, months and days . . .