Tiger Stripes

He said he loves my tiger stripes,

He worships all my scars.

The constellation scattered freckles,

That represent forgotten stars.

I've wasted years on fighting battles,

Spent too much time stuck in a war.

Hiding away behind the walls of my own castle,

But now all of my battles have been won.

I've been my own worst enemy, for many, many years,

But I've finally found the courage to love my body and my skin.

Some may think I'm a narcissist,

Or even say that I'm a bitch.

The truth is, I'm just comfortable,

With a couple memories on my wrist.

I've learned to love myself,

In every single way.

From raven coloured locks,

To all my fingernails.

I love my tiger stripes,

I worship all my scars.

The constellation scattered freckles,

In which I see the brightest stars.

Like sunlight shining through old whiskey,

And brightest rings of gold,

The deep brown eyes with lashes oh, so wispy,

And all the raw truth that they hold.

The deepest rivers in my veins,

And meadows in my lungs.

The darkest forests in my brain,

And secrets on my tongue.

I truly hope that one day you will too,

Love all your tiger stripes,

The way you love the moon.