Stagnant Scars Poem by Wendy Bureau

Violated, raped with ridicule
Stagnant scars, naked to prying eyes
Internal bruising, fresh torn wounds
Bleeding profusely under disguise

Disguise, thick skin coating
Blistered, and slowly picked away
Exposing me, of utter weakness
Decomposing, rotting flesh, decay

Decay, petrified with putrid stench
Clammy, cold sweat showers of despair
Soaked in battle, weapons of words
Drowning discretely, without care

Care devoid of all decency
Desperate clothing worn with evil demand
Eyes bulge brilliant, choking all voice
Invisible, translucent, I stand

Stand, perched upon jello stilts
Wearily wobbling, stability lacks
A mere child, shamed and shaking
Victim of wicked word, violent attacks

Attacks puncturing possibility
Popping, deflating ego, self esteem
My protectors, my parents
Acts of cruelty, to redeem

Redeem, a change of heart redemption
My child of flesh, now next of kin
Time elapsed in sorrow’s wake
Burned, buried safe, your secret sin