Piles

a gift
something nice

something
thoughtful

a gift
that took time

energy contemplation
attention to detail

a gift
created

crafted specifically
for a loved one

a gift
given with intent

to help
to ease a burden
to give cheer

a gift
accepted

with a
polite thank you

a gift
placed

carelessly
on a pile

of unused
unappreciated gifts

gifts never used
never mentioned

gifts gathering
dust

subtle rejections
repeated

pile
growing

many times
over many years

a different pile
growing

small rejections
piling up

desire to give
dwindles

resentment
sets in

feeling of stupidity
sets in

regret for

wasted effort
wasted concern
wasted time

sets in

caring fades
slowly replaced
by
disappointment

accumulated
disappointments

eventually
expressed-as anger

angry expression of
frustrated love

misinterpreted as
unearned hostility

(C)2022 Raibeart Bruis