Dear Diary,

He gave me flowers last night.

They were there lying on my skin when I awoke

Soft dark petals contrasting with alabaster

I dress to cover them so

No one can see my roses,

No one can see the only gifts you’ve given me.

I’ll hold them close until they whither away

But I know you’ll give me new ones.

They are so beautiful,

But they hurt,

They hurt so badly.

I’ll take it,

Because with every strike I take

Another blossom blooms.

And these flowers are better

Than nothing at all.