Salvation

slowly
I'm done trying to kill myself,
to rip out a fingernail at a time,
to tear my skin into shreds.

slowly
I stop accepting punishment,
tightening up my rib cage,
thinking I deserve cruelty.

slowly
I cease to wait for protection,
to crave for redemption,
to trade respect for affection.

slowly
I feed the shame to the fire,
burn scriptures and temples
to walk with pure intention.