You’re still here,
longing, prolonging,
and that is enough.
Because you…
were always the one
waiting for you.
Thank you.
The most awaited thank you—
for always being there,
for doing everything for me,
for taking care—
of this body and mind,
in every way you could.
I know sometimes,
it must have been hard for you,
but thank you
for holding on.
I remember the days,
when it felt heavy
just to get out of bed—
when your eyes were open,
but your body was still asleep.
Still, you gathered the courage
to wake up
and do what was—
the need of the hour.
Thank you for educating yourself,
even when books felt like walls.
I know some days were harsh,
but thank you
for not giving up on me.
I know there were days
you just felt worthless,
you could not even find a place
to hide—
except your knees.
Hey, listen—
you are not worthless.
You are so worth more
than you could ever know.
And I am glad
you are on the journey
of discovering that.
I understand
that intense urge—
to disappear,
to escape the world entirely.
But thank you
for surviving,
for making it this far.
I know,
I have treated you roughly
for most of your life—
abused you,
harmed you,
hurt you—
Not just through words,
but through actions
and imagined stories.
Today,
I apologize
for every cruel thought,
every harsh word,
every moment
I made you feel
guilty or small.
I am sorry
for all the scars.
I am sorry
for all the pain
I caused you.
Thank you
for forgiving me.
Thank you
for not leaving me.
Thank you
for accepting me.
Thank you
for always loving me.
Thank you
for holding my beating heart
in your warm arms.
Thank you
for dressing me,
cleaning me,
feeding me,
guiding me,
treating me,
holding my hand
when the world
seemed so far.
Thank you
for calming my eyes
and my cheeks
with your soft palms.
Thank you
for wiping
my tears
rolling down.
Thank you
for staying with me
when I was lonely.
Thank you
for earning for me,
working for me,
even when
I did not cooperate.
Thank you
for facing the world
when it was bizarre.
Thank you
for smiling,
just to help us survive.
Thank you
for forgiving everyone,
so we could make peace.
And most of all—
thank you
for finally
respecting me.
Thank you,
—“YOU”.
Title: You
Award: 21st Century Emily Dickinson Award
Instagram : ayushiagarwal75
Book: Available Here
