Mother opened her book

To teach from the scripture

About men with hardened hearts

Who speak volumes but never listen

It ended in tragedy

She wanted us to see

That her way was His way

There was no use arguing

When I was old enough

I tossed mother’s religion to the side

When I realized the ones who hurt me the most

Claimed the same religion with such pride

The hypocritical and righteous

Do as we say, don’t be like us

My family would say

As my mental state faded to dust

Though through these many years

Some lessons weigh on my mind

If tragedy strikes the rigid

How do I stand up for what I find right

Stand for nothing

Fall for everything

Yet when should I bow out

And when is the time for fighting

When do we close doors

On those who have hurt our hearts

Do we always turn the other cheek

Even when their words tear us apart

She never could answer

Instead, she used the scriptures

To justify her way of life

And keep her daughter censored

I fear becoming the type

Who’s jaded by the past

Heart crusted over 

From the footprints and the stabs

Those who can’t let go

Can’t let anyone else know

What’s going on inside 

And churning toxins as they go

Yet…

I admit 

That it hurts quite a bit

To keep myself from becoming like them

Distrusting and jaded

Unforgiving and judgmental

If your comfort will tatter me

Then send me with the devils