I dug myself deep
Into 'I'm fine's and sorries,
Now my piercing screams
Don't reach your ears.

Or do you, do you hear it?
And choose to ignore?
Do you think they are just prickly thorns
On my path to get to the rose?

Are my wounds superficial then,
The pain not worthy enough
For one warm hug? For one moment of empathy?
For one 'I know you are tired love, rest'?

Maybe they are a mere blip
In your grand scheme of things
Maybe you hope all the cuts
Would grow me a thicker skin
Make me someone who you wish I was

Maybe you dream of the day
The day I finally breathe in its sweet fragrance,
I'll look into your eyes with infinite happiness,
And you can finally lay your weary limbs to sleep.

And maybe, maybe I'll finally get that token of appreciation?

For that's all I seek,
That one smile of pride,
That one gesture of kindness,
And can I hope a word of love?

So I'll trudge this dreary path, for you,
Staunch my pain with all my might,
Muffle my screams in mirthless laughs
Hide my tears underneath empty smiles.

I'm afraid though, when I do get to touch its soft petals,
Instead of thicker skin, I'd have bled my last ounce,
Maybe filling your cup would drain mine,
Maybe I wanted the simple Jasmines?

No, don't worry, I'll wave my hands around,
Dispel the cloud of doubts,
Cause I'm just one immature child,
A coward afraid of wounds making excuses, right?

For now, please don't
Don't turn off the light,
My shadow's the only one left
To hold onto me tight.