closed behind metal bars,
I grip the rods of steel.

shaking, thrashing, writhing.
crying, wailing, roaring.
yearning, hoping, wishing.

trapped behind this cage of fate,
I grasp with a fragile strength,
until my knuckles turn white.

a fragile rose is introduced
to the dazzling sunlight of love.
once shrouded in demonic darkness,
the rose curves to embrace the warmth.
its petals slowly unfurl to reveal
a previously hidden treasure of beauty.

the leaves shimmer
under the warmth of the sun,
whose rays caress all of nature with its gentle touch.

the breeze outlines
the contours of your face
and molds it to perfection.

smiles add to the brightness
of today's palette and
eyes sparkle like rainbow stars.

beauty is
   

around us
   alongside us
   within us.

and for once,
happiness blooms
in my dark little heart,
instead of in the flower gardens
that mock me.

the petals of joy
unfold to face the daylight,
rather than wilt into themselves.

and in the midst
of this epitome of beauty,
we sit in the cool grass

and I am perfectly content.

I once saw the light
that basked me in its tight embrace.
I once felt the warmth
of a lover pining for affection.
I once heard the whisper
that swept me off into sweet dreams.
I once smelled the aroma
of springtime's fragrant joy.
I once tasted the sweetness
that lingered for hours.
but now I am surrounded only
by an unrelenting darkness,
as if I will suffocate.