I Know What It Feels Like

I wrote this poem for my cousin, who I recently found out has been self-harming for the past 3 years.

I saw you in the hospital room

when you were born;

an innocent baby girl,

ready to take on the world.

I watched you grow up

into a beautiful young woman,

who always had a smile on her face

and a twinkle in her eyes

little did I know

that you were hurting on the inside.

But I know what it feels like

to lock yourself in your room like a prisoner

because you don’t want the world to see

that you barely have the courage to breathe.

I know what it feels like

to constantly pull your sleeves down;

trying to ignore the burning pain

of the cuts that they hide.

I wish that you could have stayed

like that sweet baby girl

so that I could protect you

from the dangers of the world

but I want you to know

that this pain doesn’t last forever

and that before you know it

everything will be better.

Reviews

[Vidya Bacchus]

It is sad to have to see those you love going through this.

[Lyn Anderson]

It hurts so much to watch someone do this. This is beautifully expressed, and obviously heartfelt.