Scars

I am a simple mark

Imprinted on your skin

You cover me with pride

Rendered from chagrin

You hate my jagged edges

Bumpy and unsmooth

And thoughts of my removal

Are dreams you use to soothe

How you long for me to leave

To settle somewhere new

So you can be more perfect

Free from sin's tattoo

You hide me in disgust

Though conscious of my truth

Clinging to a lie

As shallow self to truth

No matter how you try

I will not go away

As part of who you are

My evidence will stay

Embrace me as I am

A mark of imperfection

Symbol of your flaw

Humanity's connection

There is beauty in my stamp

Which you were made to bear

A scar of brokenness

Healed by love's repair

Show me to the world

Wear me, I am real

Brokenness to share

Not darkness to conceal

The world is filled with scars

Not to be erased

But healed with touch of love

Surrendered and embraced

-C. O'Connell-