This Gift That I Was Given

Mom abandoned her children, just gave us away. Sheer terror he felt, as she promised to come back someday. Left full of confusion, feeling broken and alone. A house full of love, but no mother at home. Heart full of fear, fury filled his soul with rage, He'd strike out at us like an animal in a cage. He understood his mistakes, lived in shame with his guilt, His whole life believing that's just how he's built. Blind to the good we all knew he could be. Sabotaged his whole life, fulfilling his own prophecy. Often we spoke of his behavior As a child. His biggest regret, letting his fury grow wild. Although I've confessed I do not resent those beatings he gave, My brother's shame and his guilt Haunted him until his grave. I'll never regret their influence on me, Transformed that mild, meek, mouse, that I used to be. I recognize my own strength, and how much I can take, I've learned patience and forgiveness, even when my heart breaks. Yet the first sign of struggle, he was there to have my back. And teach me acceptance, when life's so tough it begins to crack And how to stand up and fight back if I need. But the gift that I treasure, above all I have ever received, My prized lesson in life, which he showed to me: Dig deeper than flaws, find the gold buried inside, and love unconditionally.