This Skin

This skin.
This pockmarked shadow of a dream that never will be.
This veil that I never thought I would strip for anyone.
This cloak that hides my insides from the outside world.
This shell that I attempt to cover up.
This easily broken shield that promised protection.
This numb covering that I thought would heal.
This bruised and broken and scarred body that doesn’t even tell half of the story.
This story, all those imperfections that are evidence of all I’ve been through.
This skin that I am only just starting to realize is beautiful.



Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels