Stood at my mirror, scoffed, and called her ugly.
A bully with a club, I beat her down daily.
I was wrong.
Erin, I was wrong, and I'm sorry.
You were so strong, and I was so petty.
Making you feel stupid and unpretty,
when all the time, you were the best of me, really.
Out on your own and finally alone
you were learning to live bravely.
In school and earning your own
sagely.
My only job at the time was your safety
and developing your mind.
I failed you. And I'm sorry.
I can't undo damage already done
but I can promise you to do better from now on.
I can promise to lift up the person
I once thought didn't deserve
the dreams she worked so hard to achieve.
I'm so sorry, Erin. Please forgive me.
You were beautiful and smart, and God, oh so strong.
You took risks, sought your truth
I should have come along
not in protest, riding your back, knife in hand
but holding you up, encouraging you and your plans.
Shoulda told you you were more than enough
Shoulda fought for you when things were tough
Shoulda told you to never give up!
Girl, NEVER GIVE UP!
NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER GIVE UP!
Give no fucks about the fucks who're like I was
the ones with the knives and no lives
who can't see the hustle without shouting it down
the ones who tell you the odds 'stead of helping your ends
the jealous ones that aren't really your friends.
Who knows where you coulda been
shoulda been
If I'd have just been
who I shoulda been
back then.
My only defense is that I didn't know better
but now I do
so I'm gonna do
what I shoulda done back then.
Erin: you're brilliant.
You are a divine manifestation of life.
You have great ideas, and you know how to write.
You write circles 'round those whose bylines reach millions.
Erin, my girl, you are one in a million.
On any day, you can sing, dance, and act.
It's been a while, but you can always go back.
It's not over for you. You're not past your prime.
You didn't waste your life.
And if they don't want you? YOU'RE STILL MINE.
I WANT YOU.
I NEED YOU.
I SEE YOUR VALUE.
And when the time comes
cuz change is inevitable
I'll be your constant
telling you you're incredible
credible
charitable
pleasurable
venerable
exceptional.
And if I could choose to be anyone
my answer would finally be you
and I'm sorry again for all I put you through.
From now til forever I'll be the one
to treasure you and cheer you on
like others - and I - should've done.
You're not alone.
I love you.
You're not alone.
