I've Stopped Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

When I wanted someone there,
To care.
You weren't there.
Or anywhere.
When I needed someone prepared,
To share.
You weren't there.
Anywhere.

Now you think of me to be,
The one...
Selfish.
Now you think of me to be,
The one,
Ignoring your wants and needs.

I've stopped,
Keeping you among my wishes.
I've stopped,
Keeping you among my dreams.
I have stopped,
Keeping you inside my heart.
Finding it available,
To break apart.
I've stopped,
Being dropped like a rock.
And I have stopped,
Pretending I can't cry...
With a pushing my emotions,
To the curb denied.

When I needed someone there,
To care.
You weren't there.
Anywhere.

Now,
You think of me to be,
The one...
Selfish.
Now,
You think of me to be...
The one,
Ignoring your wants and needs.

I've stopped,
Thinking...
What it is of me you believe.
I've stopped,
Hoping...
Those opinions that you have,
Of me would leave.
I've stopped!