there is a canvas

i have painted

i don't like it

it is filled with 

things

no one should have to see

but i have seen them

and they are not pretty

the canvas 

i painted 

used to have nothing

but with time and scars

and unspeakable words

it has grown with leaves 

and prickly things

that i cannot just

pluck

because i would be peeling my own skin from myself

but oh how i wish

i could peel every last bit of my skin

from my wretched body

then i would be left with what i need

-nothing