Unstain

Unstain 

As I reach for fresh paper
In the hopes to start over
I dog-eared that chapter 
Yellowed in time 
Seeped in tea
Sepia to the tee
You stained me
Like old photographs
From distant memory

You can’t stain without sanding
I can’t stay withstanding
Waiting in line
If I don’t stand down
You sand me down
I’m stripped, then sealed
Am I oak or ash
Did you even ask?
If I want to be finished
How many coats will you cover me?
Before you could no longer see
What I used to be

Strip the grain
You cannot stain over stain
My skin light
Rubbed raw 
But you’re overstaying
Your welcome
You’re welcome!
I've asked you to stop
And yet you strip me 
Of my colors 
With even strokes
You wipe away what’s left
You didn’t leave a trace
Of the woman that I used to be
How many times will you coat me?
How many quotes till you let me be.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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