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What is it that you see

When you gaze through me

A broken soul upon the Earth?

A compromise to every sunrise?

What eyes have the might

To stare me down

But mine?

Do you see love and affection?

Empathy, care, even concern?

Mayhaps I strive for that

Or once have

Perhaps this I believe

But it is naught but thirst

For all bitter to turn green

All hell that I’ve seen

Resides deep within

And left but a shell

Aching to be filled

Each intimate touch

And joyful parade

Runs sour, in time

And dims just behind

I see the sun

Through mist and clay

It bears witness

To my tearing skin

Its tempting gleam

Weaves only scars

To all

Cold flesh, aching mind

Stiff bones, boiling spite