what if i don't want to be a wildflower
or a rose waiting to be plucked
dying for your entertainment
with broken stems
and withered petals
telling fates, "loves me not"
but to be able to grow
in the muddiest of waters
without the sunshine
staying afloat
when the waters get too rough
i don't want to be
the prettiest flower in the garden
just because
you picked me

i want to grow on my own.