Hurtful

Why do I so badly crave
your pointless approval?
Why can't I just have my own confidence
to do my own things?
You don't know how it stings,
like salt on a fresh wound,
when you say those things to me

You are the reason
that I can't answer phones
or make friends
or even go out in public
Because I am frightened that others will judge me,
and throw words more harmful than an axe,
at me
I am terrified that someone will hurt me
the way that you have

I can't possibly understand
why you think you have the right
to criticize my every move and thought
Why can't I just be accepted?