The Covert Narcissist

"Come look, come look!

She's actually doing chores!

Are you sick or do you need money?

Why else would you be doing this for?"

/

Why do you do this to me?

Is it fun for you?

Do you think treating me like this

Will get any more favors for you?

/

I do this 'cause I'm trying to do better,

But apparently that's not fucking enough.

My efforts are laughed off when I try,

So why the hell should I even show up?

/

Why the hell should I get out of bed

When you're just waiting to ambush me,

To make me feel like I'm the one

Who's acting so immaturely?

/

I grew up walking on eggshells around you,

Never knowing if I would step on broken glass.

My very appearance was an affront to you,

And you punished me for going against your plans.

/

Your plans for a righteous, thin, obedient daughter,

Your plans for a therapist, cleaner, replacement mother.

I refuse to be to an extension of your narcissistic fervor,

Your need for comfort comes first over people who suffer.

/

The world does not revolve around you!

I am not in orbit around your giant ego!

I am done taking your endless abuse,

The insults you fire under guise of "jokes."

/

"It's just a joke.

I was just joking.

You're too sensitive.

I can't even talk to you anymore."

/

Let me tell you something,

You are really going to hate.

If I ever move out of this house,

I'm likely never coming back again.

/

So, the ball's in your court,

And this is your penalty shot.

Because if you don't shape up and score,

I'm cutting you off and that's your lot.