Tattoo

as the ink marks my skin
i smile

the words you used to hurt me
the ones that cut into my soul
are now wrapped around the wrist
i was so careless with before

i bore your slurs
i made them my rally cry
i am more than you ever dreamt i would be
i am more than i ever knew i could be

the tattoo encircles my wrist
protecting it from harm ever again
reminding me I survived you
I can surpass anything