The Scars
by Lori Lamothe

1. tell a story of steel and heat,
2. of nights spent feeding hungry ovens—
3. my left arm
4. a poem written in reds.

1. Like all hot, bright things
2. the scars flare and fade.
3. I could name them but don’t,
4. these small flames
5. that brand me as working class--
6. warn the wealthy
7. I might be the type of girl
8. who sings demon songs.

1. In the mornings the sun
2. slants through the windows
3. and signs its name
4. across the hurt.
5. Fire always finds its own.

1. Wherever you are,
2. roll up your sleeve and speak.
3. Let us learn each other.
4. Watch our little anarchies ignite.