haiku villanelle - by PL

I have turned away
From love and its games, and now
Thorns grow around me.

My first love I loved,
But she turned away, and so
I have turned away.

Loves come and loves go.
The game can get rough, and so
Thorns grow around me.

I know how to act,
So from anything inside
I can turn away.

My garden thrives, and
Every day I tend the thorns
That grow around me.

No-one can touch me,
No-one can find me.
Thorns grow around me.
I have turned away.

Dirty Hands

The angry lash over now
The guilt descends like a cloud
I wait and writhe in my own failing
Once there before you, lowered eyes
I show you my dirty hands
I felt your disappointment; I am unworthy

Striking a contrast between good and bad
So that I know where the lines stand
Tears of pain and sorrow litter my face
I plead for mercy denied and state my place
A little more just to be certain all is purged
Disobedience, distrust, guilt, all deserved

Washing my hands with a good clean soap
I lay there and become clean with restored hope
Your little girl, your pride and joy, my face wet with regret
You tell me no more fears, no reason to hide
Cleaner than a virgin I rise from my penitence
You tilt my chin, restored; I can meet your eyes