Three years too soon.

I never want to
look like that again.

I do not want
to wish away
my petty problems
by creating ones
that last.

I do not want
to be ashamed of
taking off my clothes
and opening up my heart
and its red love in a way
that is unlike the others.

I do not want to wear
my hair down
sleeves down
shirt down
everything down
because I do not know
how to be up.

I do not want
to let myself believe
that I am any less
than what these
three years free
have taught me
because I cannot bear
the thought of any more
imperfections.

I cannot take any more
reminders of the pain
than the ones that
I have already learned
to accept.

I never want to
look like that again.