torn / threadbare /
felt my petals sag / bend / snap /
what had been magical / color / alive /
ripped from my hands / falling slowly to die /
my tears dripped to the earth /
wet the faded bloom / life to death /
from glory returned to dirt /
you were the warmth / the sun /
you gave / then took away / my life /
black clouds / behind your dark eyes /
sent cold / ice /
your winds of anger lashed / battered /
left my bloom tired and tattered /
your long winter /
vengeful / unforgiving /
storms of freezing air /
stinging and bitter /
hope forgotten /
now a breeze / warm / merciful /
snow begins to thaw /
the tears under this dirt / stirring /
restless for new life /
hungry for a foolish love / i am raw /
a light / it comes /
furious /
brighter than death / stronger than fear /
from beneath the frozen ground /
it pushes me out of my tears /
i gave you my heart / treasures held inside /
watch me / take it back /
give it to the future / give it to the sky /
i am reborn /
savage /
you can keep your wrath /
up / go / chase the light /
fresh air / taste what i must become /
frigid malice and tired bitterness /
you are banished /
rendered powerless /
i open / i open / i open! /
i open / i open / i open! /
written word & photography by Ephraim Beck

Tags: alive, bitterness, bloom, flower, forgiveness, gay, hope, love, open, photography, poetry, Spring, tears, winter