The thing about selves

the thing about selves
is that we can transform them
we can morph them
bend, shape, and contort them

we can reinvent them
recollect them
rebuild, reclaim,
and resurrect them

we can take the pain
embed, nurture,
honor, and shed it
  (even though we never forget it)

we can sow the seeds
of our suffering
so we can bloom
like flowers in the night

into someone newer
someone wiser
someone truer
to ourselves.