Hands Held and Hearts Pawned

by Lev P

What a waste of a warm house, of pine trees

of dandelions, of a peaceful pond

What a waste of love letters, a light breeze-

of tight trust, and hope, hands held, and hearts pawned

Thinking if things would have been different

if the bully was loved above and beyond

If his parent weren't so ignorant

if his mom could let go of pink, he longed

“Hurt people, hurt people”, his hand told her.

“I love you”, yet her hands too turned to fists.

She locked them in cages, still not secure

She pictured his bruises more like a kiss.

“My tears won’t be the water you drown in”

She cried, as her love grew sicker and thin.