I wear a costume of scars
That once bore the likes
Of three babies on the inside
Just in case God’s will
Wasn’t clear enough without them

I wear a suit of 2x skin and sinew
Stronger than most boys my age
But inside I am a ballerina
With Flinstone toes
Left onstage alone
And without my choreographer

I wear big apple cheeks
That turn rosy in the wind
And blush if you kiss me
While I melt inside

I don’t look delicate
But inside, I blossom
Where no one seeeeeees
Night burst of ocean breezes
Cool and crisp and clean

I am made of resilience
Though I try to tuck it in
I thrive in the care and love
Of those I hold dear
And laughter
Always laughter
Ringing in my ears and into ethers

One of these lives,
I’ll trade in this costume for another,
Maybe I’d like to try a red carpet version
But I wouldn’t trade my guts
For anything.

10/21/2008

Author's Note: Sometimes I think I'd like to know what it's like to look how I feel on the inside.

Posted on 10/21/2008
Copyright © 2025 Alison McKenzie