For Survivors, a Benediction

A Year of Sonnets — 040/365

Photo by Max Hofstetter on Unsplash

Now wear your scars, defiant of the world
who gashed that ghastly lace into your skin.
Stand unashamed, the garnet tide that twirled
into your skin is safely locked within.
Dear, you, recovering, deserve the sun
and every drop of light that hits your pores.
May you forever strive, love, to become
your greatest self, to shatter all the doors
that bar you from the highest airs outside,
that bind you where the shadows lick and kiss
and bite at bone. May stars always abide
in you, survivor! Nevermore amiss
while Hope endures. The story of your scars
will guide you as you navigate the stars.