what if the things that breathed life
into this monster inside me
are the hearts that i've mended
at the expense of my own?

or perhaps, the cruelty of this world
which constantly blew
the small flame of hope within me?

what if the reason
this monster continuously grows
is because i have never embraced it,
accepted it, and love it as it is?

because all monsters ever needed
was to be loved & not be feared —
because fear is the twin sister of hatred.

IA

Isn’t that glimmer visible?
That wonderful sparkle, like a fly to the light
A shining diamond, an alluring sight  

Seeker and seeked and discovered overtly
What fun is its commonality?
Must you spend a two months salary?

But see the gem in the rough
Weighed far less in value
But nonetheless faceted
Judge it harshly shall you?

The trope of the diamond
Has been pried from those eyes
By the multi-facets and spectrums
Of transient angles, translucent drums  
Milky or lustrous, a separate conundrum

Choose the opal, akin to the human soul
Shimmering subtly and brightly
Gently and ever-changed nightly
Like the starriest coals
Trill and hover ever-so lightly

Discovering the treasures in the rough
That others could never trust
They’ll lie in waiting, perhaps turn to dust

the answers we seek
are within as the questions
that form in our mind

The mirror reveals the soul within
It is hazy water filled
In a desert mi raged heart

It is barren
Where whence it was full throttled cherry blossomed, apple cheeked rosy

The mirror reveals the soul within
Scorched embers
Still can see through the branches to a small piece
Not yet scorned
Tenderly aching but still filled with a sense of wonder
A leaf not torn
A branch unbroken, its leaves fall, hoping to dance in the suns warmth

The mirror reveals the soul within
Whose lines tell stories like trees that have grown
There bark is brittled beauty
Born from moments that were swept up like wisps of air

The mirror reveals the soul within
Still standing
Still solemn
Still here.

It is heavy—
the burden you carry.
Suffocating—
inside, you’re aching.
Will decreases—
you’re ready to shatter to pieces.

Yet, there’s fire.
Your eyes blaze with anger, desire.
Feel it burning—
all its power, deep, twisting and turning.
Let it out, then—
and escape from the weight of the burden.

I don’t chase love,
but I,
rediscover love from my core,
and make people chase it.
-lovewithin