There’s pain that knocks from deep within
A scream I cannot shed through skin
I search for ways to make it stop—
To feel to bleed to let it drop
The blade’s not beauty nor is flame
But they once knew how to name shame
It’s not for show it’s not for sin—
It’s where I put what burns my chin
But now I learn a different art—
To speak to cry to hold my heart
To write the ache to sing the fight
To find my edge through gentler light
So if I pause with sleeve pulled low
Don’t ask don’t judge just let me know—
That I am seen and I belong
And I can live…and still be strong
