Poem: The Obligation Lingers

The Obligation Lingers

I do not know why
I am expected
to spend time 
with him
to be kind
when he is cruel.
He was part
of all that was done,
and which is no good.
I do not know 
what I should say
or why I must be there
to say anything at all.
Why do you insist,
even now,
when everything
is torn apart,
when he chose
to set it all asunder.
I do not understand.
I have no reason
to trust him.
I have tried to be kind before
and it has done nothing,
has never brought anyrhing from him
but more harm.
Why do you insist
I make such an effort?

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