No Bad Parts

I used to think you were a tumor

that I needed to cut out

A knotted festering thing

corrupting my being

Now I know you are a child

in a corner, waiting for the paddle

to come, for the hurt of another

to be transmitted in those lashes

that left gashes on your heart

and made you wary of connection

your inner voice so vicious

attacking imperfection

It wasn’t your fault they hurt you

There was nothing you could do

Instead of an operation

what’s needed is investigation

look within and see

I am you, and you are me

I don’t have to cut you out

trying to do so

was just another lash

to the child already hurting

Come out of that corner

Let’s make some hot tea

tell me how you feel

Together we’ll be free