The smell of alcohol and burnt flesh
filled the kitchen air
I glanced at the long thick
piece of iron that laid calm
on the blistering red stove.
I was next in line
to endure the pain of
friendship and brotherhood
as I took my shirt off
and the crew inspected my chest.
The fear that boiled inside me
overwhelmed my head
with unthinkable thoughts of
pain and sorrow that made
my heart beat faster and faster.
All eyes were on me
as the hot iron was removed from the stove
one person held me from behind
the other pushed the scorching iron
deep into my left breast.
What only lasted two seconds seemed to last for an eternity
the sweltering brand melted the skin
layer after layer off my chest
just over my beating heart.
The shape of a hook
which stood for pride and secrecy
sat dark and blistered
rising above the skin
like the moon at midnight.
The agonizing feeling of regret
made my heart sink heavy inside
I now know what it feels like
to bare my own Scarlet Letter
bound upon my chest.
