Listening was something I learned early for the shift in someone’s tone, [whispered, breathy] (I remember) how a room could dim or brighten in ways that weren’t shown, (yeah, unseen ways) and wondered if I caused the weather. (if I caused the rain) Became the child who overdid and chased (chasing, always chasing) the small rewards of being good, did every task a little early, hoping effort somehow could (maybe, just maybe) make me worth their time. And I was waiting for the truth to reach me (waiting for the light) All I ever needed, (all I ever needed) even then, was to know, to feel (I needed to feel) that I was worthy of their love. (worthy... yeah) They loved in ways they understood, in patterns born from their own damage. (from their own, their own) Hands busy with the life they built, hearts speaking in a language (broken language) I mistook for childhood guilt. I blamed myself for every silence, (as children do) read storms in places that were calm, thought love was something earned in quiet, (quietly earned) until I learned much later on (much, much later) their weather never meant I was the cause. (no, it wasn’t me) And I am standing where the truth can reach me (now standing in the truth) All I ever needed, (I know now, I know now) especially then, was to know, to feel that I was worthy of their love. (I was worthy, yeah) I’ve been waiting for a sign from every heart except my own, (my own heart) kept hoping someone else would name me, until I heard it in myself, (heard it ringing true) the voice I needed was already mine. (it was always mine) to be loved (just to be loved) worthy of their love (worthy, oh so worthy) worthy of love ... (yeah, I’m worthy) love ... (love... just love)
