Sandpaper Skin
By Grace Espinoza

Sand paper hands
Stitched up by stories
Whispered through pores

Devoured by your rough palms
Swallowing soft flesh
You cling
Looming

Eyes widened
Expanded by curiosities
Familiar fingertips
A naivety so tangible
Pulses behind flesh  

Wrapped in
Anchored arms
Sends light rushing
Flooding
Into my darkest depths

Molded my soft skin
Hardened it
Thickened shell

Sandpaper hands
Stitched up by stories
Weaved into my brain