Self-inflicted

That’s what they call it

When the pain inside

Because visible to others

When shredded skin

Mirrors the shredded soul

Within.

--

But is it really?

Is the pain really from ourselves?

The cuts are, of course

But the brutal agony inflicted

On us from others?

Is that self-inflicted as well?

--

Do we bring pain on ourselves?

When did we ask

To be beaten, broken

To be ignored, forgotten

To be hated, unforgiven

Did we ask for that pain?

--

No we did not

But we get it all the same

From birth, it’s there

Not for us all, just for some

But it doesn’t really matter

Not to the all-powerful THEM.

--

No, it doesn’t matter

Because the doctors

Will shake their adult heads

And turn in pity to our parents

Gently whispering,

Trying to save them the pain

--

But what it comes down to is

Their voices saying certainly:

“Self-inflicted.”

Fuck them.

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