Gash

Walking past the world that stares Every whisper twists, every finger glares Skin exposed, heartbeat loud They push, they mock, they form the crowd Do they see the me I claim? Or only fear, only blame? Gash across skin, gash across soul Every strike digs a deeper hole I hide in eyes that sneer and pry Every heartbeat drenched in why Doors slam tight, shadows crawl Fists and words, they try to maul Silent screams no one will hear I bend, I break, I taste the fear Who decides who I must be? Chains unseen strangle me The world attacks, it does not learn Vengeance lingers, shadows burn Gash across skin, gash across soul Every strike digs a deeper hole I hide in eyes that sneer and pry Every heartbeat drenched in why In the hush, I stake my name I hold the fire, embrace the flame The world can lash, the world can pry I am myself, I will not die