When he looks at her he sees beauty and potential
Things that she doesn’t see in herself
He also sees that she is withering away from the inside
He pours love over her
Enough that it reaches her roots
She wants to open up to him
To blossom
Afraid of the world
She hides from the light
Away from people and judging stares
Away from failures that seem imminent to her
She’s adapted to her surroundings
Her thorns grown in defense
Keep him from being able to touch her
To show her how soft his touch can be
He keeps the distance she allows
Continuing to show her love
Sometimes she explodes
Letting out a plume of toxins
He hacks and coughs
And even with puffed eyes
He sees her beauty
He will not give up
She will not wither away
As long as he has a say