This is a new poem.
my scars are the map of my life
my history written in my body
each mark a story a step a stumble
each bruised or broken place a memory
a memorial in flesh
a walking history
traceable by fingers
visible on x-rays
my uniqueness stamped on skin and bones
i read myself in the mirror
the book of my self decoded
my secrets laid out for my eyes to see
a palimpsest of my journey
the map that marks the territory of my existence
i close my eyes and read my story by touch
feel my history under my skin
decode my past
i remember my yesterdays
what I’ve survived
and i feel strong
alive and present
