Conditional Love

You love me when I’m not crying,

When I’m not in pain,

When I’m perfect,

And not lost, or drowning in my brain.

You love me when I’m whole,

But not when I’m a mess.

In moments when I falter,

I feel your cold distress.

You love me when I’m calm,

But run when waves collide.

In storms that tear me down,

You vanish, left to hide.

You love me when I’m gone,

But hardly when I’m near.

That feeling hurts,

So I stay away, unclear.

You love me from afar,

But distance brings no peace.

For love that’s bound by silence

Will never find release.

For anyone who’s ever struggled with the burden of conditional affection—you're not alone.
If you’re struggling, please reach out. There’s always someone who will listen. (Lifeline 13 11 14 / Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636)