I.
Escaping scars
as the years slowly tick by
is inevitable.

Banging into walls,
the bruises and blisters of life
run like a roadmap.

Trophies awarded for fortitude,
for qualifying for life,
for finishing the race.

They are the mark
of a
well-lived life.

II.
What, then, about invisible scars?
Escaping detection in a mirror’s reflection,
they lurk in deep crevices.

Peeking out just enough
to warn others
of their sharp exteriors,

their jagged edges can
slit an unsuspecting victim
to the bone.

III.
You live your life, then,
your well-lived life,
tucked securely within.

Drawing in your sharp edges,
you show no one your scars
out of fear.

IV.
By protecting others from the pointed pieces of your soul
you inadvertently shield yourself
from their healing balm of understanding