Despite

[Lincolnshirelass]

Perhaps it is my fate, one I can't fight,
or if I try, then I will try in vain
to be loved not because, but despite,
and yes, it causes pangs of passing pain,
and restless, restive tossing in the night,
until the dawn, as dawns do, breaks again,
and I know I am irritable, weak,
given to impatient sighs, pointless pique.

And contradictory. I am not proud
do not say this in hope of others' praise,
or hoping that, well-mannered, they will shroud
their true and frank opinion of my ways,
ah no, your condemnation is allowed,
and no, it is not just a passing phase.
Yet I am loved despite, and nothing is
as precious and more undeserved than this.

[Christina O Phillips]

Thank you for sharing. The emotion in this poem is very powerful.