Becoming

a shadow slithers right beneath my skin
devouring my core – wrapping me in
as my eyes turn to glass, I start to see clear
the weight of truth – the depth of fear

each scar draws a map
each crack hides a door
every breath tastes more bitter than the ones before
no forgiveness – no return to what was pure
the blackened remains are the ones to endure

what have I become?

the cold crept in
through hurt and strife
my second skin
built in the course of life

the weight of the years
carved in my frame
each mark is a chapter
but my will remains

no chains to bind
no ties to sever
i remain unbroken
forever