Decomposing rose

Written for a contest

My eyes shine, my smile unwavering, as I stride through the streets

What would they say if they knew how my heart cheats?

With one hand, I give to them, the other I take from myself.

My heart full of misery, it quickly betrays itself.

I dance along the shore of depression, though I’m not alone, I might as well be.

I write of magical lands, my mind running wild, my inner self finally free.

But this is all simply a dream.

So back to my life, nine to five, and for every living soul I beam.

“You have the most beautiful smile” An elderly lady tells me.

I wish her a good day and even help her to her car, wishing to flee.

What would she say if she knew that I wished not to be?

There’s so many voices, I hear every one.

“You’re so lucky!” What an odd notion.

As if faking a laugh and flipping my hair is all I need

What is beauty, what is popularity, when all you want to do is bleed?

“We’ve been dying since our birth” a song plays

If only dying weren’t so easy, I could have it done in days.

My mother would weep.

A priest would give my father a pamphlet to keep.

I would be lowered into the ground, my heart still.

And as I place the knife back in the drawer, returning to bed my secret thoughts give me a chill.

Reviews

[Jane D]

This poem is really meaningful! I especially liked the ending of the second verse, because it really puts it all into perspective.