Can You Trust Me?

I know what you have seen,

I know the pain you have felt.

I know the violence you have experienced,

The way you have been treated.

But I ask,

If I treat you with kindness,

Can you learn to trust me?

If I am there when you need me,

And give you my hand in comfort when you are sad,

Will you see me as reliable and dependable?

If I stand against those who wish you pain,

And tend to your wounds when you have been hurt,

Will you see me as brave and gentle?

For you see,

I love you with all my heart,

And I wish I could fight your battles for you.

I wish I could protect you from pain and hardship,

To be your guide when you are lost and cannot be found,

To be the one you turn to when you have lost confidence in yourself.

I want to see you shine,

To achieve everything you wish to achieve,

To accomplish everything you wish to accomplish.

But can you trust me to be by your side,

Even when those who have come before me have forsaken you so?

Can you trust me to hold you gently,

Even when those who have come before me have struck you so hard?

So, I ask once more,

Can you trust me?