I love you a little more,

when you see all of me

and my thorns that scratch,

still red and wet with hurt.

Theres ones who’ve tried to sand me down,

rub points smooth with care.

And ones who’ve tried to cover me,

lies turning stalks camelia,

as they pick me for their vases,

to enjoy petals without the sting.

I’ve had ones who tore my thorns from me,

to shame them in the light,

wearing down needles with oily words,

unaware they only added spikes.

They say people like you won’t help me,

and maybe they speak of truth.

Maybe we’re consuming each other,

with our snagging tangle of bite

Maybe they shake and sigh,

when they see us walking by

“Just two thorny girls

eating each other alive.”

Yet because you see my thorns,

and still smile at me each day,

I keep them wrapped inside me,

in hopes I can keep you safe.

And in dark nights when the thorns uncoil,

I see yours,

and you see mine,

and you let me keep them full of spite,

I love you a little more