"We Accept the Love We Think We Deserve"

Based on the famous one-liner from "The Perks of a Being a Wallflower"

There I stood, a lovely lily in my hand

He took it roughly from me, threw it in the sand

I dashed to pick it up, in hopes I might preserve it

He offered me a cake instead, told me I deserved it

I took the cake, but still was sad

That lily was really all I had

Now it has withered in the heat

And I have a taste for something sweet

He was ancient and I was four years old

And I had no clue my soul was sold

There I sat, a pencil in my hand

And nothing was going quite as planned

Balls of paper hit the back of my head

I wish that I were back in bed

"I deserve it", I think with a quiet sigh

And I wish with all my heart that I could die

There're still two more hours

Til I can sit cross-legged in my shower

And try to wash away

My endless, burning shame

There I lay, her hand in my hand

Her gentle touch seems to brand

She kisses me, "Are you sure?"

And I thought of of how things were

"I don't deserve this, I don't deserve you"

But all she said was, "That's not what I asked you"

"Are you sure?", she repeats

I think of pencils and of sweets

"Yes, I'm sure", I reply

And I think that I might cry

She speaks again, softer now: "You deserve much more..."

"Than all the hate that life had in store"

A lily rests between her fingers

She takes in how my eyes do linger

She presses it against my palm with care

And says, "It's okay, I have one to share"

Reviews

[KCthelastboyscout]

There's a emotion of sadness to this story but beautifully written.you have a gift of words and imagery that leaves a strong impression in the readers mind

[Rachel Richardson]

Thank you so much! I'd love to hear the impression I left in your mind if you wanted to share.

[Rachel Richardson]

Thank you so much. This one meant a lot to me. They all do but this was especially precious.

[emipoemi]

Wow! Love the imagery, the narrative, the musicality is on point! This is indeed a keeper; a genuine poetic gem. Well freaking done!

[Rachel Richardson]

Thank you so much! This one took a long time to write even though it was shorter than some of my others.

[Chris A Jones]

This piece is beautifully written. Thanks for sharing.

[Rachel Richardson]

Thank you!!

[Austin_Tyler]

I just finished reading this book "our chemical hearts" it inspired me so much! This piece is a beauty😊 check out that book if you haven't yet😊

[Rachel Richardson]

Thanks! I'll definitely check that out!