Yesterday you saw the crack in my head
between the matter and blood
it dripped sorrow and dread.

the needle and string
I used to stitch up my skull
split open
exposing
the fractured parts
of my soul.

as it uncontrollably oozed out
I was terrified of your judgment
consumed with self-doubt.

I cowered
ready to flee
until you gripped my hand
so I could see.

you ran my fingers
through your hair
our wide eyes met when I discovered
what was there.

a jagged gash
twice the size of mine
barley strung together
with rigid twine.

our foreheads touched
to align our healing scars
both knowing without them
we could never have made it this far.