A year has ended.

A year measured in shameful wounds

And hushed bandages.

 

This new year, I will not hesitate in the entryway.

I will inflict the pain of sharp stinging ghosts

In order to rip off old band-aids.

I will hold my head high as I carry the remaining scars

And the textured lessons woven into them.

 

I’ve thrown away the band-aid of self hatred,

And in the scars lays remnants of old battles,

Reminders,

That I must fight fight fight

The dark, death cloud that wishes to consume

My mind and my body,

And with each punch I will scream

“I love my body, I love my entire being”

Even when it hurts, even when it burns,

Even when the dark, death cloud

Tastes sweet in my throat.

 

I’ve thrown away the band-aid of toxins,

And scars blistering with hurtful words

Remind me that I must constantly clear my system

Of the people who have planted themselves

Like heavy, hateful anchors inside of my soul,

Because I have found that it is better to be alone

Than to be in the company of someone

Who makes you feel anything less than whole.

 

I’ve thrown off the band-aid of docile

And my victim scars will remind me every day

How important it is to stand up

and to be unafraid of the word no no no.

 

I’ve thrown off the band-aid of judgement

And my scars remind me that I am

Not superior, nor any better,

And everyday I will scrub my eyes

Of the dirt, of the gossip, of the bias

And try my best to see clear and open.

 

 

I will not hesitate in the entryway of this new year.

I will conquer with confidence

And love and strength

And scars that hold lessons

And a thoroughly cleansed soul.