You were so beautiful once.

Both delicate and strong.

No storm

be it wind nor snow

could harm you.

No drought nor torrent

could quell your spirit.

Nothing could destroy you

until the weeds slowly encroached upon your ground

and invaded your place

your peace.

They sprouted up

taking root

upon your roots

and weaved themselves

around you

through you

above you

and strangled you

like thoughts

dark and fearful.

Thoughts as real as weeds

strangling the rose bush.