A map of Scars

The first scar on my skin,
Born of an inflamed vaccination.
A memory etched on my skin before I could know pain.

Then came another, from a live iron box,
The burn mark of careless childhood.

This one hurt. 

I inflicted one myself,
To prove my love to N, back in school,

A fool’s feelings, too big for my age. 

More came from games and fights 

I had no reason to start,

Each battle I carried on my skin.

A tattoo I regret, permanent ink on skin. 

And for years, I made no new scars.
Until my accident this year!

And recently, another scar, on my left leg,

A trophy from a chaotic mosh pit.

Enjoyed making this one.

Time scribbled these memories, 

On the pages of my skin, 

But there are others, unseen.

Etched not on skin, 

Lessons written in silence and in reflection.

I will keep making them,

Until I learn.

For what good is a man with no scars?