You’re not allowed to make mistakes.

You’re not allowed to make mistakes.

You have to be the good girl
the one who stays at home,
gentle, caring, loving.
Don’t say anything nasty,
don’t do anything wrong.
That’s how we want… you.

Don’t look too good,
don’t look too bad.
We want the best from you
but never too much.
Don’t think you’re pretty,
don’t say you’re ugly.
Stay in the middle.
Be the safe one.
The small.
The easy to be around.

Don’t cry – it makes us look bad.
Don’t smile too much – it makes us sad.

We want you numb,
apathetic,
easy to control,
with no mind of your own,
no heart,
and no soul to feel.

Just smile pretty,
and hide away the pain.
Don’t talk about it.
We don’t want to see it.

Care for us, cherish us,
pour out your heart
until it’s empty.
But don’t expect love… to come back.

No, love…
don’t.

Love is not for the good ones.
Not for the givers or caring.
It belongs to the takers
who never wonder,
never feel,
and never see
the ruins they leave behind.