i know better

knowing myself unworthy

i find it hard to accept gifts

even the gifts of love and caring

friends and family bestow

but they are hurt when i protest

that i am aware of my shortcomings

my pettiness, my mistakes and

the pain my errors of arrogance

have caused them

but i must smile and accept

though my tears sometimes

betray me and i can only say

what i truly mean

in hugs