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how can you say you know me
when you’ve only seen my skin
and not the untamed world i hide
thats growing deep within
you haven’t heard my ribs all creak
behind each plaited vine
or swum beneath the waterfall
that cascades down my spine
you’ve not been here for long enough
to watch a new life start
or find the run-down cattle
lying just inside my heart
you haven’t climbed the branches
that are wrapped around each lung
swaying with the breezes
that come dancing past my tongue
don’t mark me with your footprints
if you plan to leave soon
and only want to know me
when my plants are in bloom
because the birdsong might be pretty
but its not for you they sing
and if you don’t think my winter is too cold
you don’t deserve my spring