I love the feeling of my skin changing
the way the sun sears against my flesh
pigments changing color
deepening in protest
that I so relish

It isn't the pain
but the beauty that I feel
like something inside is moving
dark brown shows the war
that is fought beneath the surface
and I just enjoy the end of the fight

It is an odd thing to love
that somewhat stinging feeling
as the light from above shines
and the milk of my skin
cries out and curdles
but I just inhale
enjoying the feeling

The warmth that slides across my unwilling body
and passes inside as the fortress falls
it is a battle
nothing more
and the fighter in me laughs
as the outcome is already decided
sundrenched and drunk on life
my sullen skin shows its anger
to spite it
I love what it destroyed