You, the magnificent oak with arms outstretched Embracing me Holding me with your power and strength Always protecting me from those who would harm Yet this encompassing love is marginalizing and isolating Keeping me from those I love You left your splinters where I cannot remove them They lie there under skin Clearly visible yet irritating and inflaming Your mark left on me for all to see Slowly poisoning my bloodstream Until I am jaded and listless Sapped of my strength Taking this splintered love to the death
