Adolescence, the Test of Love

Will you still love me
when I break the chains
and stand on my own two feet?

Will you still be there for me
if I don't give you what you desire
and walk my own path?

Will you turn your back on me
when you can't control me
and I am my own person?

Will I survive the separation
when you stop holding me
and I take on the entire weight of my life?

Will you still care for me
when I stop performing for you
and giving you what you demand?

Will you punish me again
when I say you hurt me
and offer my forgiveness?

Will I crumble into pieces
without your approval
and validation?

Will I still exist
when I say no
and choose my own mistakes?

Will you be okay
without me as your crutch
or drown in your own shame?

Will you be able to carry your burden
when you can no longer take credit for my heart beat
when I pick compassion over guilt?

Is it really cruel to choose my reality
over your fantasy
or were you deceiving me?

Will you even know me
when you see my face
if all you ever wanted is my mask?

Will you still love me
if I didn't earn it?
And if I needed to earn it--
was it ever really love?