she

you see my scars and they scare you
i see your wall and i cry

love me like i need to be loved

love me like you want to be loved

no conditions

no restrictions

no cold, mindless, slaps in my face -

for just being me

because

scars, wounds and all -

it's all me

i will never be her

i have jagged edges

dirty hands

and a big mouth

i break the branches to clear the trail

she pushes them aside gently

and saves their sweet fragrance for later

i watch the sunset and want to know why it's orange

where is the purple from?

she just basks in the beauty

i run

stumble and fall and get back up just to trip again

she cautiously marks out her journey

i like the dirt on my face

i like the bruises

they remind me that i have lived

and i have lived well

and i will show my scars

i will not hide -

from you

again

it's a lonely road you travel
giving love and taking it away
afraid to get close

afraid they won't like what they see
guarded
restricted
conditional

it's a cold love you give
protecting yourself -

from me.