The little things

Untouched

I examine the bruises, a purplish black colour, deep and damaging.

I examine the cuts, raw and ripped, they run deep, blood trickling out.

I examine the burns, charred and pink, in the 3rd degree I feel no pain.

I examine my skin, all the wrong colours, ripped and missing.

I examine your skin, pale and untouched, no odd colours or missing bits, not a single scratch.

I check my bones, broken and visible, cracked and unfixable.

I check your bones all in place, all smooth, all whole.

I examine my mouth, bloody, teeth missing, cracked lips.

I examine your mouth, perfect and plump, pink and soft, a full row of pearly teeth.

I check my eyes, one no longer works, the other is red, tears flowing.

I check your eyes, chocolate brown and shining, clear view and not a tear to be seen.

I took your place. Felt all the pain you were supposed to feel. I was broken to save you.

And as I lay here, broken and bruised, bloody and burnt, you walk away untouched.

27.1.16