Her smile

Was a blooming flower

A shining star

Evoking happiness, beauty, and love

At age 13

She was told her teeth were too big

And her eyes squinted awkwardly when her face beamed

She never smiled anymore.

She was 18 when I said to her

"The world needs more flowers

The sky needs more stars

And your happiness is important"

She grinned for the first time since forever.

Words contain power

Harsh ones leave scars

Loving ones heal them