Confession of a Willing Canvas

And if you cut me I do not bleed, I speak
Scratchy dry apologies for failings I can’t quite fathom
Even so I see your ire and I know
Somehow I’m the cause, I’m the reason

So take up this marker pen,
Permanent and black
And write of how I wronged you
A thousand times upon my back
Use expletives, symbols, anything
And then start upon my chest
I’ll wear it as a warning
And a lesson

And if you strike me I do not bruise, I sing
Faltering notes of a song I once heard
Forgive me for muddling the lines
It was years ago that I last knew the words

So take up this marker pen,
Permanent and black
And write of how you’ll fuck me
A thousand times upon my back
Use expletives, symbols, anything
And then start upon my chest
I’ll wear it as a blanket
And a prayer

If you mark me with your wishes and your words it will not sting
Layers upon layers of your guilt upon my skin
Let me be your manuscript, your canvass, your possession
I’ll wear it til it fades - my decoration, your confession

And then take up this marker pen,
Permanent and black
And scribble in chaos
Till you’ve covered my back
Use expletives, symbols, anything
And then start upon my chest
I’ll wear for love
And for comfort