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America, after all that we’ve been through, I really believed you would make an effort to make this thing work. I’ve done what you’ve asked of me, without hesitation, and still, you refuse to acknowledge my efforts. I’ll admit that when we first met it was a little awkward for me to adjust, but I knew what we could become would be worth the fight.

Sure, there was a bloodline of trauma in my past; you were well aware of that. But you assured me that we could work through it. I knew of your past and was still willing to see beyond the wreckage. After all, none of us are perfect, right? Whenever your family had a conflict with outsiders, my family would join in the fight so that we could be unified as one. Yet, here we are again acting like strangers.

You said you would treat me right. I’ve never done anything to hurt you, and you know this to be true. Yet, all I get from you is resistance and threats.

Why? Why can’t we just be happy together? I know all relationships have their bumps in the road, but all I get with you are roadblocks. It’s those times when things become trying that we need to talk and come to a meaningful understanding. Sometimes I just don’t understand you at all. Is it because you have more resources at your disposal that you take advantage of my kindness? It seems that every time I take offense to something you fail to acknowledge, you make me look like the bad guy. Whenever I get a little angry and raise my voice, you always seem to feel threatened. I’ve always felt like we could become united in our differences, but here I stand alone. I’m troubled by your lack of empathy toward my efforts.

I’ve never been a quitter and have always persevered, despite the obstacles in my way. And it is with this attitude that I hold out hope that maybe we can make this thing work. I know you feel you can go on without me, but we have been through too much together to just part ways. And after all the work I’ve put in to build this thing, leaving is not an option.

Relationships take work and our situation will require some overtime. I need you to talk to me more and be more attentive to my needs. Spend more time with me and treat my kids as if they were your own. Sometimes I feel like you’re embarrassed to be around me. Say it isn’t so.

If I could, I’d make you understand. Going forward, I will fight the good fight knowing that if you reciprocate, it will be worthwhile. And with mutual understanding and respect, this can be a more perfect union.

I hope you are receiving this letter with an open mind and a kind heart. For those are the key components to creating an enduring relationship.

Frank Davis Jr.

Writing since February 2022 · 1 story contributed