well earned battle scars
though not outwardly visible
show themselves through
tired eyes, a rogue teardrop
or the uncharacteristic slump
of my shoulders

the harder days
cause that blank look
often left behind
as I mentally check out
of my unrelenting reality

yet, I still believe
that each day
is an opportunity for growth
to keep striving to be
the healthiest version of me

so l embrace
all my scars of change
and push forward
hungry for freedom
clinging to a new hope each day