Broken

Rough hands, worn face

Tired lines, blank gaze

Aching bones, back bent

A pain that stole the innocence

Trails of tears stain pale cheeks

Old eyes betray her youth

When "promises" flash all around 

Look close to see the truth

Strife and worry, fear and grief

What can mend a broken heart?

Valleys etch a weathered face

For too long it's been dark

Too young to learn not to love

Who hides behind the mask?

She must have been a pretty girl

In the mystery of her past

What made her hard and filled this sea

Of discouraged, broken dreams? 

What caused her to preserve herself

With sure, but shallow things?

A search for meaning in this life

A "why" to live or die

A shattered vessel, a million pieces

Do you hear her cry?

Fall away you old woman

Your time has not yet come!

There are still years to live and laugh

And taste the breath of freedom

A heart was meant to beat with strength

Cheeks were meant to bloom

Legs to dance, a zest for life

Eyes to sparkle through

Trade bitterness for quiet beauty

Shape a vessel from the shards

Others still desperately need you

A once healed heart is twice as strong