Something Missing

Some people have something missing,
It's little gap,
In themselves.
Perhaps it is self doubt.
Are they of value?
Are they here for a reason?

And this doubt,
Creates a terrible gnawing inside.
That drives them to despair,
Or other desperate measures.
They cling to the edge of life,
With their knuckles whitening.

Mostly people fill this gap
With purpose.
A life of industry and usefulness.
Some fill it with acts of kindness.
Others with the care of partners and children.
They all see themselves reflected in their deeds,
And find their worth.

She trawls the internet looking for love.
And pours out her sadness to strangers,
Hoping to find acceptance and approval.
I look on hopelessly.
She isn't courageous enough,
To see the pattern of her folly,
And with each rejection,
Her gap increases.

Damaged

It is not their fault,
Or anyones,
It runs through the generations,
Passed on from parent to child,
Hurt and ignorance,
Lack of modelling,
Low expectations,
Poor self image,
Unhelpful strategies,
For coping with all that life throws,
And then passed down,
Like a terrible legacy.