This skin
my mask
behind it
inside
I hide from the world
I hide from you
never showing
all that I feel
never showing
how deep
This skin
discomfort
running through veins
felt now in bones
deep within flesh
deep within spirit
where am I me
where does it end
how deep
This skin
my cage
held fast
inside
hidden from the world
hidden from me
the answer I seek
never seen
how deep
This skin
protects
safety is found
within
privilege in this world
privilege from you
respect undeserved
wondering
how deep
This skin
a Father’s gift
holding
embracing
filled with strength from without
strength within
to withstand
continue
this journey
this life
How deep does it go
this skin
~ elr
Image: ID 81277261 © andrys lukowski | Fotolia