These Shadowed Lines

These shadowed lines which now I see,
Were not always a part of me.
This skin that’s now so stressed and worn
Was once quite fresh; unmarked; new-born.

In truth I lie; the lines were here
Just ill defined and quite unclear.
Hidden deep, far beneath the skin
The festered there, immured within.

My heart and mind, born black with doubt
Both fed them well and bore them out!
They rose above and came to be
And now exist for all to see.

What once was veiled is now a flag
Each loathsome pore and dreadful crag
I hate this face which now I see,
Oh how it stares and laughs at me!

Written April 1997 ???