Tattoos cover the lies

Ink over scars

Blending with bruises

Hiding the darkness

Because the world said

"You must be beautiful"

So they dipped her in color

Adorned her face with a smile

Never seeking the truth

That her soul is on fire

I am five

Learning how to waddle

Mama hates me

Everyday she reminds me why

I am ugly

Faded, no yellow furry feathers

My mama says

"You are ugly as sin"

I see myself

A repulsive reflection in the pond

Mama tells me

To go drown in the pond

Sister was ugly

A sinner drowned in the pond

I often wonder

Could I forget how to swim?

I'm not brave

But Mama made me see

Worms consumption

Still feeding; still helping her rot

I see my image

Her face trapped in a scream

Light and Dark

Cannot get too close,

No,

Light will flood into Dark,

Illuminating so everyone can see

The retreating profile

Of Darkness,

Frightened as can be.

If Darkness

Dares to step too close,

Then Light shall be

Smoldered,

Forced into fleeing.

Each spends its life

In pursuit of the other...

They are lovers

Torn apart,

Never to touch again.