by Morgan Altic
I wear scars on my skin
Self-inflicted wounds that remind me of the times I lost control
The times I gave into that solemn voice that told me to cut open my flesh
To mask the pain I was feeling inside
That same voice that convinced me I wasn’t good enough
Or deserving of life
Except now I am a survivor of the battles I have sometimes lost
I am proud of the metals I have earned fighting
Because the engraved lines across my wrists
Are a reflection of the bravery I showed in times of weakness
So be thankful I chose a knife
Instead of a bullet
Because everyday I carry the scars
That prove the war isn’t over