I need approval.
Since I was young with pigtails,
I've needed that stamp.

I fear for myself.
More so, how I will react.
When you tell the truth.

Used to be younger.
Used to be much happier.
Used to be and live.

i hide the cuts
and call it healing.
i smile enough
to look like feeling.

i bled to feel,
then felt too much.
so now i flinch
at even touch.

no big event,
no cry for aid.
just pain, then choice,
then steel, then blade.

the scars are thin,
but memory lingers.
i still see red
between my fingers.

they call it pain,
i call it mine.
i earned the blood,
i crossed the line.

Her mind draws a blank.
She can't recognize your face.
She did yesterday.

Sometimes my soul shakes
With uncontrollable sobs
Only heard by me.