covering bruises.

i have these bruises
on awkward places
like my heart --
stuck in far corners
like those fake cobwebs you decorate with
on halloween.

and most times, these bruises --
these spots of old soreness and pain --
are quiet.

and i forget they're there

until something unrelated to the original wound
strikes the bruise
with a hammer's blow
and then, all at once, a rush of emotion
and fear
pain
and longing
disgust
and this feeling of smallness
overtakes me.

but just know that it's not always you
or your words
deeds
or small offenses
that create the spillage of buckets of tears
or the boiling bubbling pain
no...
it's not always you

and so i continue
to wrap each bruise
in delicate lace
and satin
and in the most beautiful cashmere sweater
ever
because each day with you
heals wounds i don't think i knew
i had.