All or Nothing

How can you say that you know me

when you have only seen my skin,

And not the untamed world that I hide

That is growing deep within.

You have not heard my ribs all creak

behind each plaited vine,

Or swam beneath the waterfall

that cascades down my spine.

You have not been here for long enough

to watch a new life start.

Or find the run-down castle

lying just inside of my heart.

You have not climbed the branches

that are wrapped around each lung.

Swaying with the breezes

that come dancing past my tongue.

Do not mark me with your footprints

If you plan to leave too soon.

And only want to know me

when my plants are all in full-bloom.

Because the bird-songs might be pretty

but it is not for you that they sing.

And if you think that my winter is too cold

then you damn sure do not deserve my spring.

   Written By:

  Crystal K. Floyd