Show Your Scars

A soft white line shines in the light,
reflecting a memory onto his face.
It’s crescent shaped and raised to my
curious fingertips as they move along.

A prominent couple of angry red punctures
catch my eye and the returning glance is indifferent.
It’s worn proud and unashamed in a way
challenging my own fair freckled complexion.

A precise line ruled onto her chest
accepts the pain in pursuit of life.
It’s a prerequisite for her glowing survivor smile,
blurring the edges with their hope and love.

An irregular hardened patch glowing in the sun
forgives the blistering heat of his mistake.
It’s a long remembered prank turned panic
retold now without anger and a hint of a smile.

A series of parallel scars line her tender skin,
guarding the broken patterns of her past.
It’s mesmerising to pick out the stories
and find scar after scar healed with strength.

© Charlie, June 2013