Down at my body, I gaze
Marks of cruelty upon my skin
The self hate now hidden within
Times of life, dealt with in my own ways
No matter what I do, the hate stays
Scars upon scars, my flesh is lined
Some scars my own hand caused
Others from moments of life unpaused
Looking for a reason, using what I can find
As I pray the world turns blind
Pale scars given by life within musical bars
Upon my flesh, my life choices are marked
Skin that was once cherished and unmarked
Is now a living map work of hard earned scars
Best done at night, blood reflecting the stars
Branded as part of life's sadistic fraternity
Signs from times of mental uncertainty
Imperfections, some rough and some smooth
I accept them now because they somehow soothe
In every single one I see the eye of eternity.
©Josh West
07/06/2021
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