Knowing what you shouldn’t have done
Isn’t enough to nullify
The searing embers that lap along
My skin, tearing it from my body.
Who am I? Who am I?
Beetles crawl as they scrawl the words
“Shame on you” into my palms
It tickles. It taunts.
Gulp, but not too hard
As I shave away the excess,
Careful not to slit my throat
Revealing myself for all to see.
I cannot hide behind this mask anymore
That suffocates and smothers
How do I breath again?
Piece myself back together again?
I forgive you?
I see you?
Me too?
Three questions that unlock the cage
Shave the shame from my soul
Freedom, is that you?
Let me in, though I sin
Let me in.
S. R. Crawford 