Like Everyone

I don’t want

to be

like everyone else

I want you to be here

forever

when I think about you

you call

when I talk about you

you answer

when I smile

I know it makes you happy

I don’t want to be

liked

by anyone else

just you

prove myself

to you

make you proud

to know that

all you ever did in your life

was not for naught

all the struggles you endured

was not for someone

else’s kicks

unless they kick rocks

I don’t want

to pretend

that it’s okay

I’ll get over it

I can smile

and really mean it?

no

if you’re not here

who will I come home to

barge in on

steal food from

listen to talk on end

about how much more they know

than I do

yes Dad

I’m talking about you

and even though

it was not so perfect

and was never meant to be

you will always make me happy

because you were here

for me

not just here for yourself

you cared about me

you listened to me

you laughed for me

whenever I needed it

you healed me

you made me feel complete

via validation

via ear

and there is nothing like it

to be validated by your father

or mother

or sister

or brother

no other will do

I am me because you are you

I miss you

I wish you were here