Manipulation

You're not the first to say it
But you're the first I heard
Listened to
Maybe I knew it
And denied it
but you're not the first.

You're not the first I did it to
But you're the first to live with it
Put up with it
Maybe it's who I am
And what I do
Because you're not the first.

It's not the first time you said
I don't respect you-
I didn't understand
The first and second and third times
What is respect
If this isn't it?

Please be patient with me
I'm learning
I'll figure it out one of these days
I'm trying, I really am
Maybe
Fourth time's the charm.

They're all connected
Not my project
Your life, not my life
Respect
Trust
I am my own person...
You are, too.

I'm not trying to hide
Or run away
Just to clear my head
Maybe give us all some
Breathing room,
And do some serious thinking.