I Cannot Take from You

You do not get my energy.
Not anymore.
Not when I am already
So tired.
      How can I spend such a valuable resource
               so liberally on you?

You give little back,
Only smiles and laughter.

When the darkness comes
You are far away,
       insulated by your books and schoolwork
                                         in a tower where I dare not cast
                  my little cries.
You say you want to give me time
But how can I ask for it
When you seem barely free
                                             to ask for mine?

I want to give,
And give without restraint.
But to do so,
                    I have to take.

For whatever reason,
I cannot take from you.