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.

Saying you're sorry,
should not be like pulling teeth.
Painful as can be.

Homeless vets can see
The home of the brave and free
Turned its back on thee.