my scars ache
thin, raised lines
on my right thigh
run like railroad tracks
crossing maps

a little crease
on the third digit
of my index finger
speaks with more conviction
than some people

the one growing out
from the corner
of my left eye
a permanent squint mark
like a part of me is
always laughing

the fresh burn on my
shoulder, feeling bolder
the word "older" seeping
under my skin

my scars ache
thin raised lines
run like railroad tracks
crossing maps

do they come back?
      do they ever
                   come
                         back?