What to do with a bruise

Let it sink
in
to your skin.

Go slowly purple
out the back end
and deep.

Then begin
to knit skin over
skin, and heal.

Leave a scar
far below
the surface.

Where no one sees
kept where you beat
where you breathe.

Where its mere presence
prevents you from ever
being new again.

Being innocent
and honest
and free.