This Side of My Skin

Look through my eyes

to this side of my skin.

See the cities I have built

and the ones I've left in desolation

in your name,

trying to make myself someone of value to you.

See the ground I have overturned,

the graves I have desecrated

just to lose my inner child to your greed.

This side of my skin is riddled with landmines

that you planted in between mood swings.

And God forbid I tread too close.

God forbid you change your mind.

This side of my skin is a war zone,

and none are welcome here.

And yet, if you marched across the field

with a white flag in hand,

I'd call an end to all of this,

Just to be with you again.