the markings came out differently

backwards and on the other side

an inward mirror 

as if pointing at the demons within

protecting against them 

more than what was outside

somehow points to the soul felt more secure

than those that guarded 

creating a defense

for others

regardless 

they were the markings of 

a warrior 

and whatever they protected against

some would say it was meant to be

that it still meant 

that it carried a certain weight

a responsibility

a guide to others in times of trouble

to point the way

to straddle boundaries

and to envision new worlds

full of possibility

full of hope