Ink On The Skin

 Was it the first time the rod hit me? that jolt of pain wrapping around me soft skin burning black and blue with marks that said I hate you Was it your hand? the sudden pain red blooming fast like red hot flames the sting and shame the searing trace the marks you left across my face Was it the screams? that shattered me that stole my breath and mind from me each wave that crashed each quiet plea unraveled all my sanity Somehow through that I stayed alive kept on breathing learned to survive but deep inside behind my eyes I tend to think I also died