broken bones

» vulnerable

you spend your entire life
doing what others expect of you;
you take a fork and a knife
to your own soul
and you dig and you scrape,
until there is really very little left,
until you have scooped out
every last bit of yourself
and tipped it into eager open palms

so then,
what do you keep for yourself?
a handful of insecurities,
a jar full of anguished tears
and indignant cries,
a notebook packed with lists of
your imperfections

why do you give away
all of the good?
you spoon it out in generous batches,
throwing your spirit and vigor and beauty
into the undeserving arms
of anyone willing to give you a glance,
i could make a painting
from all of the color
you have poured into others' lives

so i ask you,
what do you keep for yourself?