My Map

They pushed me to
Reveal myself,
I wasn’t ready
For all this pain

I cried all night
And carved a grid
Of crossed and slashed cuts
Across my arm

I used it like a map
To show just where I hurt;
I put a slash on every part
Of me that screamed for redemption

When I was done
I felt raw and open
For my little map
Covered every inch of my body

The darkness spread
Upon me so fast
When my secret left
My unwilling lips

The only thread of light
Left in this stack
Of darn, sharp needles
Shines the darkest ever, now