A golden flower glimmers on the lush forest floor
But its petals ripped out, crushed, its beauty no more
A tangle of thorny vines grows around my chest
Tightening and suffocating, allowing no rest
A slithering snake pounces on a tiny mouse, the mouse loudly shouts
The snake quickly squeezes and the squeals of terror die out
The ocean waves appear calming, rhythmic in their beating
But stuck in their swell, tossed around, my lungs begin bleeding

You can explain how the snow falls
Each frozen flake descending from the sky
You can show me how the seasons change
Why the rich earth becomes dry

You can teach me how to pass the rigours of school
Or how to throw a ball
You can explain why the world is round
How gravity makes us fall

But I ask you about love
And your shoulders start to shrug
"It's just what you feel," you say
But something in my heart tugs

I continue to ponder this question
As I grow taller
And each season changes and multiplies
As my heart becomes smaller

I ask so many this question
But no one seems to understand
Until I meet someone mysterious yet bright
Who makes a strange demand

"What do you think?"
All along I had never guessed these words
Perhaps it is sacrificing time
Instead of doing what you prefer

Maybe it's being a listening ear
And simply offering help
Or bringing someone flowers
While still being yourself

Love is to each of us
What we define it to be
But the best explain I have found
Is placing someone else above thee

As my love for you never fades
The shards of ice you pierced in my heart
Will never go away
Though five months have passed
You are on my mind when I drive by your old place
How when we were little we played in that bright, green grass
Now your touch reminds me of broken glass
Our music sounds like nails on a chalkboard
Though I try I can't forget the past
I dream of you every dark night
I wonder why you changed
But people never stay still in life
At least that remains the same
Though your betrayal left a gaping hole in my chest
I never stop waiting for your call
I hope one day my wandering mind will be at rest
Until then I will always feel lost and small

Bonds and promises shatter like glass
But use those jagged fragments to build a window
Through which you see yourself and the past

The process of healing is long
You may struggle to see a clear picture
But loving your mistakes is never wrong

A glimmer or orange sunshine
And a sliver of warm happiness shine through
Understanding only takes much time

Hang up shattered piece by piece
It's a neverending process it seems
But when the sun shines through, you will feel at peace

I am unsteady
Unable to cope with these thoughts
With each new trouble I'm never ready
Unprepared for what life has thrown
Feeling as if I could choke
On these memories I own
I'm not worthy of what is good
But not deserving of the evils
If I could erase the past I would
And still I can't forget what I should

We were birds of a feather
Since we were small had each others' backs
Whenever we were together
Life is different now
But to have you as a confidant
I was always proud
Through thick and thin
Whenever storms arose
You lifted my chin
Always my most faithful friend
But the trust we shared
Has come to an end
You turned your back
When I was at my worst
Now my heart is under attack
Who can I trust and grow close
Since my oldest and greatest friend
Wasn't there when I needed her most

Sunshine gleaming
Against the evergreen trees
Shadows stretch along the river
Leaves fall, moved by the gentle breeze

The river glitters
The light spots flashing
The clear water dashing
Around jagged rocks

The current creates darkened ripples
Expanding upon the ridges
Inky patterns billowing
The swirls glint and twirl