Never do I look at my arms
and see a cleanliness.
Never do I see a sea of skin.
I look upon my flesh and find
carvings.
of once was
of wish-they-were;
A ladybug for my grandmother, who called me Millie.
A wolf for my father, who taught me what strength was
inside and out.
For my friends, matching memories of our love, our youth.
& all others, that hold an ounce of your face,
your meaning..
When I look upon my skin, I don't see my own flesh,
I see you - I see a lifetime.
