You Were You, I'm Me (Poetry)

I was more wild child
than ever you were
your good influence
likely kept me out
of the worst trouble

My parents thought so
particularly
my father who would
repeatedly praise
your countless merits

Then by contrast he
listed all my faults
perhaps he thought I’d
simply flick a switch
and change just like that

It was hard being
aware all the time
I wasn’t the girl
he would have wanted —
he’d have chosen you

That’s my tragedy
I’ve had to live with
but I’ve not hated —
not either of you
all my failings through