I Failed The Grade 8.1.2008 Poem by Margaret Alice

The pain in my head is only a reflection
of the pain in my heart due to the rejection
by my loved ones, they found me lacking
in performance, I failed the grade in
matters of the heart

Such an attitude means there never was
any real love, nothing unconditional; all I
receive is good marks when I meet an
expectation; while all marks are deleted
whenever they don’t

Agree with me and the things I have done;
to see my life built on sand, to feel the sting
of artificial conditions, the pain in my head
is a clear indication how much power they
wield - to hurt by

Their haughty defection in my hour of need;
Abraham recommends being independent
of all other people in the world; especially
our loved ones, they can’t be pleased, if
we meet one

Requirement, we are still rejected on the basis
of everything else we can’t do, we bend over
backwards and stand on our heads, contorting
our limbs - only to be met with rejection when
we disappoint them

Loving them unconditionally means loving them
even when they criticise me, telling me I’m bad
and unworthy; meaning the pain in my head
keeps on growing…