Engraved

With stick in hand I sit.
I scraped it against a stone to sharpen it.
I’m not allowed to play with pointy objects.

I sit for a very long time.
With eyes closed, I contemplate.

Should I do it?

I do it slowly.
I do it methodically.
I do it like I used to do it
before I realized
I had the strength to not do it at all.

I consider jamming it into my neck.
What are the odds of hitting my jugular?

I barely feel the pain as I dig
deeper and deeper.
Blood runs down these legs that
I hate so badly.

What is one more scar anyway?

I begin another cut.
This one is larger than the first.
I don’t feel it so I cut deeper.

I twist my homemade knife.
In doing so, I see the scars on my wrist.
I remember you my sweet, familiar friends.
How you too deceived me so.
I was so close that day.
So very, very close.

I sit and look at my creation.
I close my eyes again and promise myself
this is the last time I will do it.
This is the last time I will feel.

I open my eyes and
throw the stick into the woods.
My legs are untouched.
You do not have that power over me.

  • JRGarland

    JRGarland

    Wow, powerful write. You have captured the cutter’s heart well. Almost too well.

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    He used to be a close personal friend. We’ve parted ways. Thank you JR.

  • Lisa  Jewell

    Lisa Jewell

    My Darling Friend,

    I do hope this does not sound condescending….You have turned a corner. I sit here with so many emotions…that you have raised. In particular the prospect of reverting back to behaviour patterns that are untimely self destructive …in order to divert the pain. It sometimes would be so easy…

    We do change and we do grow and we do strengthen….

    I know you are hurting

    I am just simply so glad you are not adding to that hurt by hurting yourself.

    Much love,
    xx

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    Lisa, you could never be condescending. Thank you so much for your comment, for your support and for your friendship. I am not adding to it. Promise.

  • JamieLA

    JamieLA

    Ouch- I could feel the pain reading this.

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    I think that’s good, right? Thanks Jamie.

  • rubyjo

    rubyjo

    inner strength is a beautiful thing

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    It sure is Rubyjo.

  • raymondoantonio

    raymondoantonio

    POWERFUL. THAT FINAL LINE IS THE BUSINESS!

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    Yes it is. Thank you Raymondo.

  • MarkezzAckui ...

    MarkezzAckui ...

    THAT FINAL LINE IS THE BUSINESS. I agree with Ray. You are very strong…and I love your strength. Your very special you know. You do know that right? :))

    How you too deceived me so…...that line sent a familiar chill up my spine..

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    How I know it did my friend…a familiar chill. xoxo

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    ...and thank you. It’s people like you who remind me when I need reminding. I hope I do the same for you. Love you mister.

  • bluewhite

    bluewhite

    Thank God!!!!!!

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    xoxo

  • BiographyofRed8

    BiographyofRed8

    you have been here before, and stronger men have tried to bring you down.. this poem is a testiment to how far you have come sweetie. For one, it doesn’t hold anything back, is raw with the imagery, seeing it written out like that on a page, seeing the moment of contemplation, and then the resolve to come back even stronger, because you know, have always known, how strong you are

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    Thank you Red. Your comment is appreciated and felt. It’s friends like you who help to reinforce that inner strength, and for that more than anything, I thank you. xoxo

  • Kristin  Reynolds

    Kristin Reynolds

    FUCK, YEAH, Cassidy!!!!! yes! You are The MAN. as you know, via novella O’ KR I know all about this business – my arms and legs are covered in reminders of cutting to try to feel, or release the feeling…none of which ever worked, it actually felt very damn good…BUT, to NOT, is the heart of a fire breathing lion – you rock, my dear and i love you for it. :) you are strength incarnate. love, K xoxoxoxo

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    I had to laugh at via novella. We sure can write those letters, huh? LOL.

    I hate hearing that you know what I’m talking about, but I take comfort in knowing that you too understand and embrace that last line.

    Love you Kristin.

  • veritasunsaid

    veritasunsaid

    POWER AND STRENGTH my finely scarred friend
    .
    Fuck the world of slices
    because the world is full of suprises
    yes indeed, the world cut-free
    is such a wonderful place to be

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    Thank you Alex. You’re right. It is a nicer place to be. I’ve cut and I’ve burned and I’ve done some other things I won’t mention…but it’s a much sweeter thing to not do it. MUCH sweeter.

  • RosaCobos

    RosaCobos

    The pain advices of our life felt.
    Pain unwonted drives away fro the source of love,
    when not unwanted..pain in distress and distrust….of oneself.
    I do not know….cannot step into your tracks…
    not know….is that a crying out?
    Is that something really felt..like a tribute of a reality inside?
    Is there some of these wishes, to hurt and then curse damnation once more?
    What do they gain?
    Who are they…. anyway?
    Rosa

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    Thank you Rosa. My mind visits the past during current events, or sometimes in re-manufacturing the past, but I have unlearned bad behaviors and bad habits. This is not a crying out, it is a rejoicing of my soul in not doing what my brain told me to do. xoxo

  • colorblind

    colorblind

    nice and well done my friend ….love to read your work …always a pleasure
    it reminded me of my piece ….. Hope

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    Thank you. I am truly honored. I remembered reading Hope, and commenting. It’s ironic that you should link it here, for in my original comment to you, I linked it to a piece that I’ve yet to repost.

  • linaji

    linaji

    Ohh I am so with Ms. Lisa Jewell.. this is incredible.. I love you dearest.. Just LOVE YOU.

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    That love is received and returned to you twofold. Thank you Linaji.

  • Rebeladdict

    Rebeladdict

    THIS would have to be the most powerful piece I have read for a long time!
    That last line is what I have to (force myself at times to) hold on to.
    Sometimes I have it in both hands.
    Sometimes I just have it by a hair…......................

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    I’m glad you like it and can relate. I’ve done some pretty fucked up things to myself in the name of healing, as it sounds as though you have as well. There’s something so ironic in that.

  • Shoaib .

    Shoaib .

    wow… powerful man
    i am blown away
    “I sit and look at my creation.
    I close my eyes again and promise myself
    this is the last time I will do it.
    This is the last time I will feel.

    I open my eyes and
    throw the stick into the woods.
    My legs are untouched.
    You do not have that power over me.”

    lot to be quoted there … and yes even though it came from you
    its still a quote
    great work

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    Thanks Shoaib. I totally appreciate it.

  • KEITH  R. WILLIAMS

    KEITH R. WILL...

    very nice

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    Thank you Keith.

  • warmsoul

    warmsoul

    Wow! your writing is so powerful. You always evoke emotion in me when I read your writing.

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    Thank you very much.

  • bill bell

    bill bell

    Good to have you back :)

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    Hi Bill. It’s quite nice to be back.

  • happyfeet5

    happyfeet5

    Very nice work Cassidy. It is very well written. The only thing is the sadness and the hurt inside.And please don’t every hurt yourself so that the not only the others won’t win but do it for yourself and for us. You have loving friends out here and we are ready to help and hear you out.
    Hugggggggs Iris

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    Iris, I hear you and I thank you. I have made the promise to myself and therefore can make the promise to my friends as well. xoxo

  • janeymac

    janeymac

    wow ! powerful !

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    Thank you Janey.

  • Rick Williams

    Rick Williams

    :-( so strong.

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    Thanks Rick. Nice to see you.

  • Christie  Moses

    Christie Moses

    This one speaks to the very heart of me. The pain is real and the addiction to cutting is real. AMazing the way you express this so openly. Another I can relate to and thankfully have overcome. The voice in this has so much strength! I KNOW how hard it was to throw that stick away. Your writing is just beautiful and so is your heart xoxoxo

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    I thank you so much Christie. I’m sorry that you understand too well. xoxo

  • Mark Peterson

    Mark Peterson

    Glad you chose to through the stick…when I was there no one chose to look…good on your expression and I’m glad they see it…maybe one day my voice will be heard as yours…congratulations!

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    Mark, the only one who has to hear your voice is YOU, otherwise nothing comes out for anyone else to hear. I’ve learned this the hard way. Thank you for your visit and for your comment. Peace my friend.

  • happyfeet5

    happyfeet5

    Thank you for your promise. It will make me feel better knowing you will keep it. xoxo Iris

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    You know I will. xoxo

  • mikeyartscape

    mikeyartscape

    such honest and revealing emotions – to choose so much more than the sharpened stick – your courageous spirit reveals :)

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    It’s taken time, but I think the light prevails. Thanks Mikey.

  • RosaCobos

    RosaCobos

    So…then..I feel glad for you….
    good!
    Rosa

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    xoxo

  • RebeccaWeston

    RebeccaWeston

    I am so glad that you have moved away from this – you have taken back the control !! XX
    Becca

  • RebeccaWeston

    RebeccaWeston

    Here are a few hugs for you btw !!! {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ hug hug hug hug hug }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
    They are much better for you XX

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    Thank you. I will always take hugs. xoxo

  • DragonFlyer

    DragonFlyer

    I am in awe. You are so so strong… to move on from that place is such an incredibly hard thing to do… Congratulations from the bottom of my heart. An amazing piece of writing.
    K xx

  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    Thank you so much for this wonderful comment.

  • Selkie
  • Cassidy JK (Ra... replied

    Honored. Thank you Zoe. xoxo

  • msdebbie

    msdebbie 15 days ago

    I find this such a powerful poem, and I loce the ending! Bravo Cass xoxo

  • msdebbie

    msdebbie 15 days ago

    Bleh – loce as yuo might guess means LOVE

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