HELD TOGETHER
Part of me is every bit the strong, talented, confident
And together woman you see before you
Another part is ribbons, tatters
Slowly healing scars.
Outside, I am smooth as the inside of an unfurled leaf
Within; shaken, but determined.
My veneer is finely crafted
An artful assemblage of unassailable quality
The frame beneath is cobbled together
With bits of duct tape and chewing gum
But ultimately bound by love
With its ever flexing strength
How are you held together?
Does the illusion of your armor shine under the scrutiny of the sun?
What battered rust hides beneath your bold, collapsing brightness?
Let’s be honest
Isn’t this the way of all human beings?
One part walking wounded we are afraid the world will see
One part we put forward that is both real and mask
Sometimes even we forget the difference
