If To Just Listen Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I can give you my attention.
But please do not mention,
The time I spend.
Or the quality of it.
When yours I can not depend.
I care about your welfare.
If I did not,
I would not be here.
When I'm in need of your appearance...
It is as if you have disappeared.
And I am not here to compare cares!
I am here to make it clear,
I care whether you are aware of it or not!
Am I the only one...
That has come to knock on your door?
Am I the only one...
To come to you,
When my wants and wishes you have ignored?
But then I remember too...
This 'is' all about you!
As it has been for quite sometime.
Isn't that true?
Even when you whine...
Who can you count on,
To give you their time?
Whether or not...
You appreciate that it's mine to give,
To you to abuse!
I can give you my attention.
But please do not mention,
The time I spend.
Or the quality of it.
When yours I can not depend.
Whenever I may be in,
A need to have you near...
If to just listen!