Monument

Raise your hands, not for them
As an expression, a symbol
A reminder of who you are
Just for yourself

Stand tall, lean
A testament, a monument
To everything that you once stood for
And can stand for again

If you just believe
In yourself, you
That fragile lump of far too
Human flesh

You’re not that bad
Not all that great either
You’re human
You make mistakes

We all do sometimes
Supposedly, apparently
Allegedly, unintentionally
Just you wear yours a little

Too well
Not as armour, not as scars
More like tattoos
Well chosen and you
Paid the heavy price

Willingly, a little too eagerly
Or so it seemed at first
So raise your hands
Above your head

And come along quietly
One foot in front of the other
Follow the painted line