Scars cut their jagged path like avenues across the soul telling stories grown to cities reduced to gaping holes. I tell my reflection that she was once beautiful because of any of us she needs to hear it most. I draw life-lines on my palms an echoing lie, whispering "Of course, you'll live forever!" without having to pay a price for youth. I scribble words of wisdom that no one will ever read they're written in a language that the schools refuse to teach. Each syllable, each song unlike reflections of Narcissus leave a new ****** trail a **** in the heart a frail little ***** beating with valiant strides shouting with each agonized step I shall not go quietly I shall not surrender I shall not quit or fall to self-pity for I am the ***** that powers this beast a creature grotesque and lovely a monster too gentle to be at peace an oracle, a love-sick fool, with a soul-carved map drawn over the surface of the world.