i can’t say i’m proud
but i’m not definitely not ashamed
i wear these scars like a badge
an honor i’ve bestowed upon myself
i wouldn’t encourage others to follow suit
but i will never tell them to hide it either
i don’t brag about my accomplishments
how many
how deep
how much i bled
but i will not hide them behind a facade of make up
long sleeves
or bracelets
i will not pretend it’s wrong
but i won’t tell people it’s right
i will not feel shame
i’m sick
i can and will admit that
you wouldn’t tell a cancer patient they disgust you
so don’t you dare look at me that way
i have no shame
i have no pride
i have honesty and truth
and the scars to prove it

~Jen, Ontario Canada?