Bruise Colored Roses

The air stifled by silence

I couldn’t breathe…

didn’t dare.

I choked on words I should have said

as my vision blurred with tears

that only I could feel and see

without surrendering

my heart, my guard, my safety

I fought hard to build

around myself

until only I could see

me.

You closed your eyes.

You closed your ears.

You didn’t want to know.

It’s safer there

living in your own reality

where pretty colors replace

the bruises

left on the heart and mind

of a child

left behind

unwanted, uncared for

in a society

where families fall apart

and bruise colored roses

sit on tabletops

decorating abuse

in a well hidden vase

of pretty shades

nobody else can see

but me.

Helene Ann Castle