WHITE FLAG She saw him, a canvas of red A masterpiece of warning, threads of dread But love's blind gaze cast a familiar hue Pink, her favorite shade, she knew She painted over flaws, with a heart anew With every brushstroke, she'd lose a piece Of herself, in the red's fierce release But still she'd add layers, of pink delight Ignoring the signals, in the dark of night The flags waved high, as she danced in pain Her heart a battleground, love's sweet refrain But one day, the paint ran dry and thin And she saw the truth, she'd let her walls cave in She raised a white flag, worn and frayed A surrender to self, a love displayed No more painting over, the red's loud cry She chose herself and let the love die.