I never thought I would be grateful

For the bruises

For the betrayal

from those I should have been able to trust

Ropey and keloid

These scars crisscrossing my heart

Are a network of beautiful

Once in the mustiness of a church basement

Over jet fuel coffee and nicotine

An old man told me

“That no one ever learned anything at a birthday party”

When I worked three jobs for one salary

When I drove down dark streets searching for prodigal sons

When I felt someone look through me

Or thought I was stupid

Or less than

Or too heavy

These were backhanded blessings

Leaving me hard as diamond

This dark skin a shiny Teflon

Learning always learning

And when my prodigals

Wander lost

My fractured light beacons them home