Terracotta Dreams

She watered the plant in the terracotta pot
Like she nurtured all her dreams within
It’s where her life ended distraught every night
And a new barren day would begin

She knew the terracotta was fragile, that it could
Break at the exertion of the slightest pressure
Just like she knew she would listen to her parents’ wishes
And slaughter the hopes that she cherished as her treasure

She touched the terracotta with each loving finger
And felt its smooth surface under her tips
She closed her eyes and savoured the feeling
Letting a soft sigh escape through her full lips

She wished her life was just as smooth
Just as purposeful and devoid of pain
She wished with every pore of her being
She wished for it again and again

Then suddenly, with the dawn of a day
Came the news that she was to be married
She ran to her parents seeking some solace
And begged for the event to be tarried

Refused her freedom, she couldn’t bear the thought
Of her hopes and desires getting bruised and battered
Like a sick animal, her only refuge she sought
Only to find the terracotta shattered.