she grew a garden on her arms
full of pinpricks
and peonies
disappointment
and desperation
a cry for help in the middle of the night
covered with a smile by morning
you feel your heart rip
so you rip
into the soil
to grow something new
to feel the sunshine on your face
to feel anything at all
all the while wishing to wither away
to feel nothing
at all
you water your garden
& it grows
& grows
until it grows
so wild
it swallows you up
©copyright Allison Smidt 2022