never announcing how they've crushed

my very being.

I am the rose

that many people desire

but never take the time to inquire

how to carefully work around

the thorns that were created to protect me,

but instead slash and slice and bruise and snap

every barrier placed,

but it's okay

because they grow back stronger

cut by cut,

day by day.

I am the silent flower

who sways to the rhythm

of harmonious music that's brought

to my attention,

using the sweet melodies

and precious lyrics

to calm my thoughts,

 my aching nerves,

and wretched spirit;

constantly striving to grasp

particles of happiness

that lies in between the lines

of each word said,

of each song heard,

throwing them in to my atmosphere

and surround myself into a temporary cradle

of peace and concord.

I am the rose that's shielded by thorns,

for my thorns are my bodyguards

when situations became hard

for me to accept or cope with,

as when my parents divorced

and my spirit became broken

though I didn't even know it,

or perhaps just didn't want to show it.

I seem to use my beauty

to hide the ugli…-ness

that, at many times,

wiggles it's way in to my heart

and discovers another way

to snatch another piece of

me and tear it apart.

I am indecisive at times

I am emotional at times,

as close to the quintessence of

a Gemini, my horoscope sign.

I am a collection of family,

more than just genetic material,

but their personalities.

I am the quiet girl who is often

not noticed but when noticed

usually never forgotten

by the people who have chosen

stop sudden…-ly

and smell my roses.