Scars Enough
It has been a long journey from the mountains
to the shore,
from the rocky craigs you too often created for yourself
that both protected you
and held you captive.
A long journey that left you lost
and wounded
and afraid
and yet
you walked on your wounded legs,
and bled quietly,
built up scars,
chose to starve yourself
instead of eating poison, meeting
along the way,
wild beasts, creatures to fear
until you saw their own wounds.
They became, still dangerous,
but creatures more of sadness,
to be pitied
even as you kept your distance.
You have after all,
scars enough.
About this poem
I have come to see toxic and angry people differently, more as wounded animals than preditors. Does that mean I still want them around? No. Wounded animals are still dangerous, and as the poem says, I have scars enough.
But I see them differently, and my prayers change because of how I see.
Tom
Quarry House 
I really admire this poem. Reread it a few times replacing you for me etc
Love this one…we all have scars enough! Peace and Love
The first thought that came through my mind was the song by Sia “Elastic Heart”. I most certainly have encountered a few toxic people in my life (starting with my family) and perhaps that helped me get prepared and face the world without putting on the rose colored glasses and developing a thick skin at quite an early age. I know it sounds a bit morbid but having those toxic people have helped me grow up and expand in ways I otherwise would have not and that fills my heart with gratitude. I am not saying that I intentionally seek them out (I had no choice but to deal with them growing up) — I am not a masochist. However, it would not be incorrect to say that having them in my life have made me a better person and in time helped me develop deep appreciation for those who are good to me. Perhaps, I am one of those lucky few who can heal fast for I see no scars on me. Or maybe it is I who have left scars on others? (I hope not).
Having said that, I deeply enjoyed your poem (as usual). On a brighter note, this poem would have not existed had you not had those toxic people in your life. No?