MY SCARS

I bear scars to prove

that I have not always coped:

emotional scars

when I have misunderstood

censured and criticized

slighted and offended

hurt and grieved

separated from one I’ve loved.

Sometimes I’ve lost perspective

when encountering changes

and in resisting them

I’ve received scars.

When I’ve shed assumptions

of early years

or faced disappointments

that turned to doubts and fears

I received scars.

Scars come from trying to hide

the injuries in inside.

I’m not proud of them

but they keep me aware

that I have not always coped.

Scars prevent me

from criticizing others

who may not have it

all together either.

…by Leona Choy