I used to get embarrassed,
used to get upset.
Anytime eyes saw scars,
eyes grew very wet.
People stop and stare,
cover my stomach, arm, thigh.
why should I hide?
why should I lie?
called to a draft,
like so many are.
World war of emotions,
our enemy self harm.
as soldiers we marched,
and began to train.
sergeant general conscience,
teaching us to refrain.
sent to our barracks,
in the middle of the night.
some soldiers got captured,
then began their fight.
I wake to find them missing,
grab my gear, and my boot.
general raised his hand,
offering a salute
I walked the lonely dessert,
some died along the way.
like my best friend,
curl February day.
The stars do not shine,
and the sky is black.
I'm hit from behind,
a surprise attack.
"You are so weak,"
"prisoner of war."
"You'll never be the same,"
"never like before."
I'm pushed to the ground,
bloody body, pulling hair.
I clinch my teeth,
gasp for fresh air.
I can't lay down,
can't give up this fight.
finding inner strength,
to defeat them tonight.
I push myself up,
under enemy fire!
standing as I point,
"You're a liar!"
"I'm no one's prisoner!"
"Won't control me longer!"
"You're right, never the same,"
"only stronger!"
reinforcements find me,
the enemy defeated.
only cowered by fear,
finally retreated.
I now walk straight,
head held high.
beauty and strength,
surpass the sky.
I was a soldier,
hardest war of man.
taught to overcome,
the generals plan.
scars made me,
who I am today.
strong soldier now,
that's how I'll stay.
beautiful proof now,
show's I survived.
and now here I am,
stronger and alive
