Sometimes I wish my skin was transparent
So that the world can see my battle scars
And understand who I am inside
If only they could see the scar tissue on my heart
From the many heartbreaks I’ve suffered
If only they could see the ulcers in my stomach
From all the bullshit I’ve had to swallow
If only they could see the healed bone fractures
From all the falls I’ve taken
If only they could see all the dark spots on my lungs
From all the polluted air that I’ve had to breathe
If only they could see all the deep muscle bruises
From all the hard hits I’ve taken
Then maybe the people I meet
Would know why I am the way that I am
Why my heart resembles charred lava rock
And is unwilling to let love in
Why my lips are compressed into a thin tight line
And I refuse to accept the words they speak as truth
Why my body looks disfigured
And I walk slouched over and with a limp
Why my breaths are short and shallow
And I always appear to be out of breath
Why I flinch if anyone gets to close
And instantly assume a fighting stance
If only my skin were transparent
Maybe I wouldn’t have so many battle scars