Poison

my colors are vibrant, my smile is true

softness and welcoming exuded

like the inviting petals of a flower

that look too pure and too true

to contain anything that could hurt you

though I’ve become so much worse

saturated in toxins

with ever-spreading tainted roots

at least my facade must still be intact

since the poison behind each nod

each “yes, sir” and “of course, ma’am” isn’t seen

since people still show such surprise

when the guise slips

and curses fall from my lips

I used to be a flowersimple and cleanbut nowI’m an oleander bloomred and brightbut toxic