Callous-es from Cutting (WIP)

I learned to use my power

the first time pain came my way

and I wasn't ready.

I can become

impervious.

I make iron of my heart,

thick scales of my skin,

and turn my soul into dust-covered diamond.

I take invisible claws to the ties

that bind us all together

and I cut myself.

I cut myself off from the ebb and flow 

of caring and empathy that roll up and down the veins and arteries that bind us all together. 

That first time is terrifying and painful and the relief is sickening and sickly...for a while.

And then...it isn't.

I became a surgeon,

snipping only the veins that took my caring and empathy out

to you

again and again

til the callouses formed.

And then there was no more fine control;

and I am left hacking,

cutting both artery and vein,

both love accepted and love given

because neither really hurts anymore when they go away.

Maybe my superpower is just callouses...but...it works.