Not A Badge

response to something a friend said at the bar

It's not a badge I wear
Though it can be my cross to bear
It's a piece of driftwood
I'll clutch till my dying breath
When my ship goes under
And there's nothing left

It's where I find my peace
My strength and sweet release
In the evening all alone
Sprawled across an empty bed
When memories echo
Fade, and crescendo coming back again

It's a suit of shining steel
Against the day, and grinding wheel
Of eyes, and cold and pointed words
That chip away at me
And make me small and less than you
And keep me on my knees