Empty Barrels Make the Most Noise

It’s said that the empty barrels make the most noise.

Is that why you cry out for attention?

Who hurt you?

Or perhaps, like me, was it that you gave of yourself all the love you possess,

draining your own reserves

in hopes that with that sacrifice of yourself

you would earn returns in the love you give.

Leaving you with the aching

of a metal drum being thumped and struck,

crying out for requited love

to fill your empty tank.

I see your cries for what they are.

A deeply loving person left unloved.

A person hurting

and knowing no other way

than to receive attention

that would have to pass for appreciation.

But yours is no ordinary tank.

It is massive in its capacity to be filled

and to pour out love in return.

But you’ve settled to cap your high yields

from the lack of proper prospects.

But I’m here to tell you

I hear you. I see you. 

You are loved.

Put away the aching sounds of your emptiness

and let me fill you with the beauty that I see,

with hopes that soon you will no longer need

the love of others

to fill your beautiful tank.

It is time to reach into the wells of your own self worth

and draw up for yourself

the rich yields of your reserves.

Turn from black

the tar of abuse and distrust

and refine your love

to its golden state.

I hope that soon you will perceive

all your charm and grace

which so clearly appears to me,

and allow love of yourself

to finally overflow

your flawless love tank.