They say scars are a sign of strength
Proof of the hell you've been through
They say scars can remind you
You came out on the other side
All I see are roadmaps leading to nowhere

People see what I let them see
They know what I let them know
But what if they saw the real me
Not my projection
Not their perception
Would they run away
Would they choose to stay
It's so hard to say
What if they saw the real me

Such a contradiction
Am I being vain
Can such an imperfection still be beautiful
It's a shame

What if they saw the real me
I'm a survivor
I'm a fighter
I wonder if they know
What if they saw the real me

People see what I let them see
They know what I let them know
But what if they saw the real me
Not my projection
Not their perception
Would they run away
Would they choose to stay
It's so hard to say
What if they saw the real me

Cuts heal
What a lie
They fuse together but never the same
Am I damaged goods or a prized possession

People see what I let them see
They know what I let them know
But what if they saw the real me
Not my projection
Not their perception
Would they run away
Would they choose to stay
It's so hard to say

What if they saw
The real me

This poem appeared on Blog Days of Janie.