She Added
For the times that they lied,
She added a scar,
To the collection of tallies,
On the side of her arm.
For the hands that touched her,
She added a burn,
To the “accidents that happen,”
Past the point of return.
For the people who left her,
She added a tear,
To the small ocean,
That drowned her in fear.
For the nightmares that woke her,
She added a scream,
To the endless horror,
That was now her life’s theme.
For the slur in his speech,
She added a cry,
To the number of pleading voices,
That didn’t believe his lie.
For the times they insulted her,
She added a trace,
To the mask that she used,
To cover her face.
For the questions they ask her,
She added a lie,
To the list of imperfections,
That made this her life.
(2012)
