Someone once told me

to be careful when trying to

pick up someone else's shattered remains

because you might cut

yourself on their broken pieces.

And, I know that

despite my efforts to pick everyone up,

no one would

sweep me up like I

would do for them.

So, I pick up my own broken pieces;

My shattered face,

splintered glass heart,

and glue myself back together.

Yes,

I still have some cracks,

no amount of glue could cover them

all up,

but,

it's up to you if

you want to hold my faded and

split cheeks in your hands.

When you decide to leave,

make it painless.

Don't break me any more than

I already am.

Just straighten my dress,

smooth my hair,

and place me back on

my shelf.