It becomes obvious
How much damage was done.
How much you were stained
From the effects of your surroundings.
Like the yellowing of smoke,
Pure white turning dim,
Recollections of abuses
In a dirge to your past.
Mistakes and misfortunes
Painted alike
On the ever-aging flesh
Wrinkling steadily to dust.
Wash it away,
Pull yourself out
And see who you were
With clearer eyes.
Let it fall off,
Feel it loosening
And setting you free
From cares long dead.
Shedding skin,
The ghost of past scars.
Rejuvenating
And flowing forth.