A Dozen Red Roses

A gift of a dozen red roses,
One for each infidelity,
To forget your broken promises
And your repulsive behavior toward me.
A present to hold you in my thoughts
So at your side I’ll stay
and cement our lovers’ farce,
A thoughtless gesture on Valentine’s Day.
Your gift of a dozen red roses.
Draws blood with each prick,
Bares thorns that are armed forces.
Their bacteria making me sick.
So, I choose myself; I choose self-love.
I won’t ignore the things you have done.
I’ll gift myself the love I deserve
Before you break me down
I choose happiness.
I’ll fight my way free.
I choose quiet calm,
mental serenity.
A gift of a dozen red roses,
One for each infidelity.
So I’ll buy my own damn roses,
And finally be happy.
Editor: Shannon Hensley









