Smoke fills my lungs,
I stand strong.
Petals to the sky,
I fulfill my destiny.
Tears burn holes
never to be filled.
Demons in my soul
leave scars never repaired.
Each sigh forces a step back.
Each storm bends my stem a bit more.
I persevere through the rain,
the sleet,
the snow.
I yield to the sun and the moon.
I take what is given.
I replace when I’m able.
Though dry are my leaves,
I lift them to the sky.
Though parched are my lips,
I face the sun.
Smoke burns my eyes,
but I see clear.
I bow my head.
