Bruised and Beautiful

I bruise like the stale apples left out for too long 

An afterthought, a mere fragment in time 

I bruise as easily as the figs 

That fall from the trees in summer gardens 

A bittersweet taste on the tongue 

I bruise my knees as I fall in devotion to you 

A desperate plea for your affection 

How pathetic of me, I know 

Yet these bruises shall not leave 

My dear, these bruises shall stay with me 

For how could I ever bare myself of this innate instinct, 

A simple nature of mine 

To love you as easily as one does their child 

To admire you up close and personal 

As one does a flower 

To breathe you in and out 

As if you are the air I survive off of 

Oh my dear, I know 

I know my heart loves you more than it should, 

More than it can take 

Yet still, 

As long as you are alive, 

I will continue to bruise in the name of love.

Umbar Nadeem is an aspiring poet and writer who often explores different hemes such as faith, love, identity, as well as injustice in her work. She has been writing ever since she was little, allowing the pen to take her wherever her heart and mind desire.