Becoming by Lolly Vieira

we become ourselves with each stab to the heart

as layer after layer is stripped from us

we shed that which we are not

and sometimes we must crumble completely

so that we can piece our mosaic selves back together

our true form we were always waiting for

a configuration so complex

with its abstractly shaped regrets

transformed into necessary lessons

while we cut ourselves on the rough edges

putting together the puzzle

every so slowly, the scars fade

the pain begins to lessen

and we start to find our new selves

naked, bared for the universe to behold

with a cloak of wisdom tied around our necks