My skin is tampered,
ink stains on un-tanned arms
embody Christ as the holy spirit
with wings expanding across my right bicep
carrying me, by arm, to heaven.

My skin is dead
spread across brittle bones
breaking into violet scars and scabs
picked and stabbed by
doctor's vaccines and swiss army knives.

My skin is damp..(never wet-back)
baptized in a daily ritual
shampoo, soap, lather, then rinse
dry then clothe in baggy garments
wet with scent, Polo Sport or Axe body spray.

My skin is an itchy sweater
on a summer day
and these accusing faces make me sweat
in my skin dampens sometimes
it fits so uncomfortable.