Why Self-Harm Is Not A Cry For Attention

I wish I could peel off my scars and seal them in a manila envelope

Then hide it in the back of my wardrobe, along with all the sleeveless t-shirts that still have their price tags on

Just so I didn’t have to be reminded of my mistakes every time I look at my arms

Do you see me holding up a poster with “I SELF HARM” written on it?

Or holding out my severed arm to passers-by?

I don’t loop razor blades on a chain and wear them around my neck like a good luck charm

My parents brought me up by the Leviticus quote “You shall not make any cuts on your body…”

Now I carry this secret around with me like a Mormon carries his Bible

All year long, I wear the longest sleeves I can find

And still worry that people can see the lines across my arm through the thick fabric

You think I plaster this smile on my face because I am happy

But you don’t see the desperate, hurt look in my eyes

You think I am writing this poem for attention

But I am probably the only person who will ever see this

Reviews

[Skylar]

I love this poem, I also have self harmed and im slowly watching my scars fade more and more, I made all mine on my thigh so I cant wear shorts, when I got invited to got to the pool i tried to plaster on some concealer and powder on my leg and prayed it stayed. I hope your scars fade too :/ all just kinda making it day by day....and if you do still cut....try to stop...please...ive stopped for about two months now....eventually whether the scars heal completely or not...if its been a while and people can tell theyre old then if you have confidence enough then wear your short sleeves :) if anyone asks about them tell them you honestly stopped :) thats what im working towards :) Best of luck ~ xoxo

[Daughter of Darkness]

Your really very talented. I think this poem shows your emotions very well.

[Blue Belle]

The poem has great power. You wrote the poem very strong and with lots of emotion.