Loved You Yet Failed You

I've always endeavoured to be authentic 
Especially within relationships
Tried to treat people
With decency and respect

But I hold my hands up

At times I messed up

Particularly early on in life 

I was weak 

Whilst some of my actions
May have been underpinned
By trying to fix
Or heal
An underlying personal battle
(see below, at the bottom of the page)

It was still no excuse

At times
For some of you
I also let ego creep in
(despite knowing better)
It was a failing
I can't claim ignorance

Many times I engaged
When I shouldn't have
As I was far from healed
Far from mature enough

And although I've tried
To learn from my mistakes
And adjust the way I behaved
That is of little comfort
To those I've hurt
Along the way
The damage was already done

I hope you can forgive me
I genuinely never meant to hurt you
I loved you
However, love was not enough
If I couldn't follow through

But forgiveness is your privilege 

I have no right to claim it