How Long Poem by fortunate thembekile xulu

how long
will you keep destroying me
trying to 'fix' me to perfection
when will you stop scrutinizing me
and just love me
how long will you keep hurting me
trying to make me into a better person
when will you stop beating me
and wipe away these tears
how long
will i be hiding under your shadow in fear
hiding these scars you've inflicted on me
will i ever be to your satisfaction
will you ever smile at me with pride
how long will i struggle to please you
to be what you dream of
how long
till i pluck up the courage to leave you
the courage to stop loving you
how long? ? ?