Trampled Flower

Once so cute in a roomful of smiles
Snuggled in a blanket, warm against the world
Toasted by uncles, adored by aunties
Born to be kissed, mama’s little girl
How did you come to this?
Unknown, unloved, on the edge of the abyss

Teacher’s at school, gave plenty of hope
Bright, full of mischief, you ran and played
For many long summers there was no hurry
To taste strong wine, just sweet lemonade
How did you come to this?
Shuffling, broken, your life in bits

Circles of friends, rounds of romance
Inexhaustible youth to beautiful bride
Daddy gave you away, hoping that forever
You’d outshine the stars with those baby blue eyes
How did you come to this?
Aged, worn, muttering from sore, cracked lips

I’ve pictured your life as I would have liked it
No clue to your sadness, why seems no one
Will give you a bed, wash your once golden locks
Now matted and grey, to everything, numb
How did you come to this?
In doorways, in shadows, no fat on your ribs

And so, I give a little money, a few ticks of the clock
For I am no saint, just as she is no sinner
How I wish I could do more than raise my fists to God
Straighten her back, instead of crawl back to comfort, slither
For now I know poor, trampled flower, how you came to this
We all failed you love, just when you most needed it

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From the UK, Mark is a professional composer and lyricist, which helps bring rhythm and musicality to his poetry. Lyric writing may pave the way for penning poetry, but Mark is well aware that song lyrics and poetry most of the time are at best distant cousins.

Mark has his own take on the world and though life is a serious business, his poems are often lightened, or darkened with humour and sometimes the mysterious. Poetry is a relatively new venture for Mark and with that comes the usual insecurity about whether or not his poems are any good, but publication does wonders for self-doubt!