Petals of Steel

I am a flower that grew away from the sun

in a garden of weeds on hard-cracked concrete,

and without a drop of nourishing love.

Alone I’ve faced violent storms of lies,

sadistic beasts that tried to devour me,

and those who have enthusiastically tried to trample others.

And yet I still remain stronger than ever

in the shadows, thriving

as one of the most beautiful

flowers of them all,

a pure survivor.