Love Scars

My scars are not grotesque
they add a bit of character
To harden the image of poet
whose understanding betrays the warrior

But that is exactly what I am
a strong yet sensitive man
I have bled and been sewn up before
as many pages of verse crowd the floor

The joy I have at fully feeling
blows that sent me reeling
Landed upon both face and heart
have differently defined my art

Only through pain and subsequent scars
borne from love and chasing stars
Have I been able to tell you this
all of it sold for the price of a kiss

Whose lips I have longed to taste
thus all my sufferings are not a waste
My story and empire is yours to keep
as long as beside your warmth I may sleep