“A Violent Lullaby” by Rebecca Khera

I close my eyes
But I can't find dreams.
My memories just twist another nightmare.
A violent lullaby,
Forcing silent screams,
Unheard by all but me.

I still feel you against me.
Your hand on my face,
My shoulder, my back,
Placing that purple so elegantly.

The marks you left are more than temporary,
And they will forever haunt me,
So I cope in a way that I know would make you proud.

With warriors of sharpened silver,
Fighting against the flesh,
Ivory smooth, with rivers of blue,
They dare not cross.
Soon enough it's victory,
The soldiers plant their crimson flag,
To stain the temple with its war.

Remnants of battle scars fade,
But never truly disappear.
The marks stay concealed
In fear of being seen,
And life becomes a game of hide and seek.

It's the scars you've left that keep me from loving.
It's the scars I've left that keep me from living.