Bruises

What does a bruise look like

When it hasn’t been tended to

Cared for, and cleaned up

Does it stay black and blue

Full of pus and swollen

Does it deflate eventually

Leaving a dark mark on the flesh

Does it still hurt when touched

No longer showing aesthetically

What does a bruise look like

After the fight, when things are still fresh

While everyone can still see the damage

Does it bring unwanted attention

From the ones who witnessed it all

Does it still pulse erratically

Even when several days have passed

Does the swelling take over the spot

And consume it so it’s unrecognizable

What does a bruise look like

When the offense is never resolved

And the attacker walks free

Does it go away eventually

Leaving a footprint on the mind

Does it become like a nightmare

Stealing away hours of the night

Does it ever come to heal

Or will it remain a disfigured sore

What does a bruise look like

When it’s tucked away in fear and shame

Resolving to stay hidden in a shattered conscious