The Wilted Flower

“The Wilted Flower”

I have a distant memory 
Which increasingly fades with time
Of a seemingly different life
when I was happy without strife
I smiled without guilt
I loved and accepted all
I did not care what others thought
Because I liked myself
But then I let the world in
My tragic and grievous mistake
If I could go back, I'd change my choice
And not succumb to their sweet, but poisonous words
They could not stand it
Seeing me so joyous
Didn't you know 
that love is dangerous?
Fearing the power that I contained through this beautiful feeling
They convinced me I would be better off if I fit in
They pointed out my flaws
Made me feel worthless
Broke me down beyond repair
Then rebuilt me in their image
Like a flower shielded from the sun, I began to wilt
I changed into a person I could no longer recognize
No longer the person I wanted to be, but the person others told me I should be
I became tired, dazed, drained, defeated
Lost in a hellish maze with no escape
I gave in
Did what they told me
Listened to them
Became a perfect copy
Now I am skinny
                and pretty
                       and
                            dead inside.

~Serena Mott
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Mehta Avatar
May 28, 2014 at 5:34 AM
Interesting and creative. Congrats on your poem being featured this week,
Poteet Avatar
May 26, 2014 at 6:27 AM
Nice, Serena, excellent essay on peer pressure in poetic form. One would hope this person of whom you write can move on to better friends. I brought in a broken bud and put it in a vase of water. It is just gorgeous this morning - a copy of those on the bush outside. Brokenness saved by the generous act of a compassionate person with understanding. People can be so blind. Great imagery in your piece here. Keep writing.
A  Avatar
May 16, 2014 at 4:50 PM
Serena,, Stopping by with a nice, sweet Welcome to Poetry Soup. I will get much delight, in reading and in time become familiar with your verse. As for now, I will greet you with the same smile, others passed, when I first join the soup 4 years ago. I wish you the best when it comes to your compositions. I hope you get to meet all the nice poets around here. Starting with me. SKAT :-) Please drop a hello and tell me a little about yourself if you wish. I would like to be your newest poetry soup "FRIEND" Hugs* SKAT
Mott Avatar
May 16, 2014 at 8:42 PM
Thank you for the kind words! I appreciate the gesture! I already feel welcomed into the Poetry Soup family! As for myself, I am a current college student from NY. I am pursuing a degree in exercise science, but wanted to find a way to foster my interest in writing as well! I hope to become more acquainted with you in the near future!:)
Gibson Avatar
May 16, 2014 at 4:32 PM
Welcome to Poetry Soup, Serena. Hope you find much support here as you get acquainted. Comment on others poetry and they will return the favor. Best wishes.
Andresen Avatar
May 16, 2014 at 8:47 AM
- Warm welcome to PoetrySoup, Serena :) - I choose your first very nice written free verse poem - Nice to meet you :) - Hope you will be satisfied with our "soup family" - we are many .. but has plenty of room for you too- PoetrySoup Rule1: Be kind and keep PoetrySoup a haven. PoetrySoup is a drama free zone(Comment on the poetry of others and they will comment on yours.) Thank you posted your words and thoughts here, I want to come back to read more another day. - oxox // Anne-Lise :)
Mott Avatar
May 16, 2014 at 8:39 PM
Thank you for the warm welcome and support:)
A   Avatar
May 15, 2014 at 10:50 PM
Serena, wow. That is deep, with a twist... super loved it.. , A nice warm WELCOME to poetry soup. I hope you enjoy the community, as I did when I first join, March 2010. You'll find many friendly poets, who are ready to support and give positive feedback. I want to be the first to invite you on over, to the contest page. I OFFER MY CONTEST, in hopes it inspires you to write another poem. I'm looking forward to following you and your poetry ha-ha a special pair:) here's the link to the contest page. http://www.poetrysoup.com/poetry_contests/ <---~Take Care!! From: your new poet friend @-> LINDA <-@
Mott Avatar
May 15, 2014 at 11:33 PM
Thank you so much! This is truly encouraging! I really appreciate the feedback! I look forward to reading your poems, as well as hearing any advice you have for me! :)
Gregory Avatar
May 15, 2014 at 7:29 PM
life style choices end up wearing our skin... real touching piece
Mott Avatar
May 15, 2014 at 8:17 PM
thanks so much! I appreciate the support, as I just started my poetry endeavors!
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