To Love

I hate you.

I hate you for showing your pain
while I bury mine deep within

I despise you for needing attention
because I crave it so desperately

I resent you for being broken
because I am too.

and yet

My hate drowns
as it struggles to breathe
afloat in an ocean
of love.

I roll my eyes at the sound of your sobs
and all the same
my feet carry me to your side with haste

My mind grumbles like a petulant child
while I embrace you tightly like a mother

The complaints die before reaching my lips
replaced by words of comfort
I am here.

I love you.

I love you, and I’m hurting, so I hate you too

and tomorrow I will boss you around with petty demands

But today you need my love
unconditional
boundless

And it’s the easiest thing in the world to give.