Tomorrow,
I will look into the mirror and pull up my sleeves.
Just a little past the wrist.
I will see my scars and I will acknowledge their existence.
Even though it is painful.

This week,
I will look into the mirror and pull up my sleeves.
Almost to the elbow.
I will see my scars and I will acknowledge the pain.
Even though I hate them.

In a fortnight,
I will look into the mirror and pull up my shirt and shorts.
Body parts that are hidden, even to me.
I will see the ghastly scars and I will acknowledge them.
Even though I cannot accept myself.

This month,
I will look into the mirror and pull up my sleeves.
To the point of my shoulder.
I will see my scars and I will accept them.
Even though it’s triggering.

Next month,
I will look into the mirror and take off my clothes.
Standing naked with myself as a witness.
I will see all my scars and I will acknowledge them.
I will see all of my body and I will acknowledge it.
Even though it will make me relapse.

This year,
I will look into the mirror and unwrap a towel.
Dripping water from my hair.
I will see all the scars and I will accept them.
I will see all of my body and I will accept it.
Even though I would have started over.

This lifetime,
I will be with another person and be intimate.
They will see and witness the pain.
And they will accept me.
And they will love me.
*Even though I can’t see the future.