Scars

by Nettie Kestler
Audio available as scar.mp3

The cancer shaved me into a plank of a woman,
the scar – a lash across my chest. I prayed
you would not touch me, that you would spare me
the birch of your caress. My pain froze
your fingers which froze your lips and cock, then buried
your heart in the glacial age of my recovery.
No one ever explained to us how much
it hurts to love someone who lives in pain.

But you did and we did and the day finally came
when the soft brush of a cotton shirt across
my skin no longer seared. The scar was removed
from the center of pain when I stubbed my toe, or split
a nail, or when you accidentally brushed
an arm against me as you turned at night in your sleep.

And then one night, I reached out to your hand
as we lay in what was left of our bed. I pulled
your rough fingers across my chest and didn’t wince
as I moved them along the scar of my breasts. A smile
broke the grim concern of your face, and your kiss –
your kiss told me you were grateful I was alive.

© 2013 Nettie Kestler. All rights reserved. Content may not be copied or used in whole or part without written permission from the author.

Bio: Who is Nettie Kestler? Read her bio on the Erotica Readers & Writers Association website.