i was always told to hide
my scars
under long sleeves
in the heat of summer
with long skirts
and opaque layers
no one can see
for the questions they’ll ask
i can't answer
because these scars
they are signs of vulnerability
each one tallying
a moment of defeat
another battle lost
more casualty
though the blood no longer
stains my skin
but me, myself, and I
am a sign of perseverance
i still breathe
and run and jump
i’ve endured the war
each scar tallying
a moment of survival
another fight won
so don’t tell me to hide
my scars
i wear each one proudly
medals of honor
and the questions you’ll ask
i’ll answer and say
"Yes, my scars are still here,
but so am I.”