Defenses

So long I knew how every defense

Was relentlessly dug into my palm,

I clenched so hard till my skin no longer resembled its name

Deprived of its blushed hue,

Hoping to drown my shame.

 

So long I thought that blood was a worthy sacrifice for pain

Till my calloused palm proved worthless

When the fine white of my skin

Showed all of my smudged sin,

To be judged from a thought away.