Like a rusted razor,

subtle words still cut.

The problem is, there's a greater chance for infection.

You can't just point to your cut and say,

"I got this from a nice clean blade,"

Instead

It comes from the truth that there were multiple cuts and

different days where it would heal and scab

but would then be picked open, or cut over, like you didn't

remember that it ever existed.

And just like the subtle manipulation of the man

who supposedly loved me,

he slowly changed my skin from alabaster and smooth

to darkened and rough.