More Than a Shirt

I grab the short-sleeved shirt out of my drawer and take what feels like years to put it on

Pausing at each step thinking about how I haven't worn this shirt in so long

As the shirt wraps me up like a warm blanket, the scars stay visible on my arm 

Their white glow radiates, causing anyone's gaze to gravitate toward them

I rip the shirt off, salty tears finding their way into my eyes

Sitting on the bedroom floor, I see a shadowy figure in the distance, bite-size

Her blond hair glides alongside her as she makes her way over to me 

Her dress bouncing as she strides happily

There is a bright innocent smile plastered on her lips

That quickly dissipates when her eyes fall onto the white streaks along my wrists 

She doesn't hesitate to speak and these next words chilled me to the core

“We aren’t supposed to pet the cat when he’s angry, you know his claws are sharp!”

I feel the tears once again come to my eyes

Waiting until she bounces away before I break my disguise

I remember when I was just as innocent as her

Before all those nights crying with my vision blurred

When scars were caused by cats

And scissors were used in crafts