Thank you for your hateful words,
Though they seared like cuts and burns,
You gave me the chance to learn,
You empowered me more than you will know.

You didn't care for conversation,
You preferred confrontation,
But I appreciate your exclamation,
Because I had reaped what you'd sewn.

You made me the strongest I could be,
When I fell down to bleed,
I'll never forget what you gave me,
In a way you set me free-
Thank you for your words.

Neither of us could imagine,
The beauty your hate could fashion,
And as warfare became your passion,
A phoenix rose from ash.

Thank you for your demolition,
You've provided me with perfect ammunition,
Delivered with such precision,
And I never had to ask.

And I aspire every day,
To live better than you were raised,
There's just no time to remain afraid,
I know now what I am worth.

When I once wished you hell,
I knew not how to defend myself,
Now I feel quite compelled
To say thank you for your words.