One of the most bitter ironies
Is also easy to convey

People who need love the most
Ask for it in the most unloving ways

Their needs are transmuted
Vulnerability replaced by fear and hate

Anger becomes a poor substitute
For understanding shame

What was never taught
Can’t be understood
So it all comes out the same

It’s alluring to believe
That it’s our job to fix
That their walls can be dismantled
Day by day, and brick by brick

But it doesn’t work like that
No matter how long you stay
Eventually their unloving ways
Will grind yours all away