BROKEN PETALS

She was praised to have the
Beauty of a goddess
But was diminished as a human being
Her seductive winks that concealed so much ache
Made wise men’s mouth water like
Blistering buffoons

She was naïve and the novelty
Of using her body for the pleasure
Of others was a concept she couldn’t
Wrap her head around

Every time she got on stage
She held back the feeling of being
Dehumanized
She was an object
That many used to satisfy their lusts
She was young and innocent and had none
To protect her

She’d hold the pole with
Her right hand and face down
Heaving a sigh
She’d then let go of everything and
Dance her heart out

They’d hop, they’d applaud
They’d pat each other on the backs
They’d tip her with bills, money backs
She was impressive
But they couldn’t see the
pains she concealed

If only they could look a little bit closer
They’d see she was wrecking
They’d see her Misery
But they couldn’t
After all, their lusts came first
They couldn’t stop for a moment to think she was somebody’s
Daughter

Her ever breaking free was precluded
Her so called Aunt made sure of it
The fear of wandering the streets
All alone kept her submissive

When she got off stage and was
Back in the comfort of her makeup
Room, she would blat her eyes out
Ruining the hippie make up
She’d wish she knew the
Whereabouts of her parents
Perhaps her life would finally be out
The rollercoaster of wretchedness
But one can only wish when there’s too
Little they can do. A broken petal.

Muzamir