Yardstick

Measured by your yardstick
not something I had planned
longing for your approval
I do not understand
 
Language meant to harm
as inside you hurt too
not for everyone to hear
but for a chosen few
 
A kindness within you
reserved not for family
compassion for others
although, none for me
 
A tongue sharp as a blade
cutting like a knife
penetrating words
come easily to life
 
Wounds ever present
despite war not embraced
scars upon the soul
never to be erased
 
Both beautiful and smart
in our individual rite
but winning with a toxic person
is simply not to fight