Ink

Wringing out my bloodied soul
To feel another day
Shallowness is but a mask
Erosion brings such shame
Wipe clean the slate of bitterness
Wipe it clean.
Internal wounds without release
Instruct me to create

Painting out my pain
In storm-ridden brushstrokes
With the poisoned ink of guilt
I paint your face
..and those of others like you
Cleanse my soul
Alleviate my pain.

Salt my wounds in open air
Exposure is so painful
At least release is better than
Internal degradation.

Images so beautiful
..born of pain so terrible.