I.
For a while I carried words like weapons.
Saw them only for their sharpened edges
the way in which they could slice,
leave mouths open, gasping,
they way they burrowed into skin
and clanged like gongs in the silence
of lonely, sleepless nights.
I had enough scars of my own to show
just how dangerous words could be.
I knew where to aim for,
which veins would bleed the most.
II.
Anger can only burn on a short fuse.
It fizzles out after a while
and you are left cold,
holding knives slick with your own blood.
No one warns out about the energy
that pain steals.
The way the hollowness can swallow
whole
everything you had built of yourself.
III.
Healing takes time.
On nights when I’m awake and he is not
I pick words from beneath my skin,
the ones I half forgot,
scabbed over but not yet gone.
I will turn them over in the blue light
from the wireless router on the night stand,
and try to make sense of a handwriting
not seen in years.
I will tell myself I am older,
wiser,
more mature.
I will pretend they do not hurt anymore.
Daily Prompt: Carry
Like this:
Like Loading...
Published by Carol J Forrester
Carol J Forrester is a writer and a history geek. Her debut collection 'It's All In The Blood' came out November 2019.
She has a 2:1 BA degree in history from Bath Spa University, enjoys judo at least twice a week, and tries to attend poetry events around the Midlands when she can.
Her flash fiction story ‘Glorious Silence’ was named as River Ram Press’ short story of the month for August 2014 and her short story ‘A Visit From The Fortune Teller’ has been showcased on the literary site Ink Pantry. Her poems ‘Sunsets’ and ‘Clear Out‘ were featured on Eyes Plus Words, and two of her poems were included in the DVerse Poets Pub Publication ‘Chiaroscuro’ which is available for purchase on amazon.Her poem ‘Until The Light Gets In‘ was accepted and published at The Drabble and her poem ‘Newborn’ was published by Ink Sweat & Tears.
She has been lucky enough to write guest posts for sites such as Inky Tavern and Song of The Forlorn and has hosted a number of guest bloggers on her site Writing and Works.
View all posts by Carol J Forrester
So beautifully written.. you really have a way with words
Thank you, that’s really lovely to hear. It’s just trying to be disciplined about getting those words down on paper.
Well you’ve done a fantastic job 🙂
Thank you. I appreciate the comment. 🙂
Beautifully said Carol❤
Sabrina 🎀 | http://www.OrganicIsBeautiful.com
Thank you, I’m glad you think so. 🙂
😊