Self Harm

I'm gonna let you decide. For me, it's just another day at the office...........N

Self Harm

 

Aline wears each of her many scars with pride

Of course she has her favourites

But don’t we all

 

Those across her chest are special

Then there are those for her eyes only or eventually

A lover to admire

 

Each one is beautiful she recalls during psychotherapy

An aide memoire to mark each loss or hurt

She has endured

 

Aline tends to wear long sleeves these days

Particularly when her mother visits from Brazil

Self harm you see is frowned upon in Porto Alegre

Author's Note

The truth hurts, don't it just

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

It must have been bad enough to have to witness this when you are in the workplace, but when you actually know adolescents who do this who are close to you, it rips your heart out. I have been told that the pain of inflicting self harm is a lesser pain than having to deal with their own inner turmoil. Cutting releases the hurt, although only on a temporary basis. The scars though, unlike Aline's were hidden through shame. Good job they were seen. That got the ball rolling. A hard subject to contemplate, but I like the way you approached it.

Chris

[Neville]

Tension release is certainly one reason of many... thank you Chris for your very reasoned response to these words... Neville

[Tom]

An emotive topic Neville, always seen it myself as a sort of cry for help but then again, we all have our foibles and crosses to carry ?

Nicely conveyed, in reality is it's not all sweetness & light out there and you have a natural discourse and talent to say it as it is, kudos indeed my friend !!

[Neville]

Bless ya Tom my friend, much appreciated, as always, N

[Beccy]

I know someone who self harmed when she was a young girl, fifteen. She couldn't precisely articulate why she did it (and it was more than once,) and she was from a quite 'normal' and seemingly happy background, with a very caring family.

Even now, five years later, the real truth remains locked deep inside her; but thankfully, it really is in the past.

I wonder often about today's world, about the pressures of modern living and the rise in self harm, particularly among younger people. Perhaps it is the frantic pace that can take over and make you feel you are not in control of your own life, your destiny, that is the main culprit; and of course, there is always to consider that greatest of sins we have visited on our children, which is the taking away of innocence and childhood far too early.

A thought provoking poem. Beccy.

[Neville]

Many thanks Beccy, your take on these words is most gratefully received & yes, self harm is not only an emotive topic, it is also a seemingly increasingly common but not entirely new phenomenon and from a purely professional perspective given me more grey hairs than my genes might have otherwise determined. All Good Things, N

[Lydia Shutter]

People who cut themselves...never have quite understood that. There are some people who are only "happy" when they are sad. It is a psychological dilemma....and a big problem. Your words make it all so clear. Lydi**

[Neville]

Thank you Lydi, then I have achieved something at least, N

[Einstein Noodle]

cutting is a very serious subject .. you bring it to light with clarity ..so well done says i!
i think many people are unaware of the practice ... and since some of us keep scars from the inside in much the same manor it is not so unusual ... bringing up the past to hurt ourselves over and over .. your poem brings feelings of heaviness and sadness .. sending up my little prayers for all of those suffering so tragically
E.

[Neville]

Hey E.N I am unable to express just how grateful I am for your very insightful and otherwise perceptive consideration & analysis of these words. Thank you so very much. All Good Things, your literary friend, Neville

[Einstein Noodle]

back at ya bro! ;)

[R J Askew]

Poor Aline. To find pride and beauty in such scars is a bad way to be. But should she cover them up? And who would she be cover them up for? From her point of view, maybe not. But from the point of view of others, especially kids lets say, many would find her scars unsettling. But this seems a bit harsh. Her life is damaged. But should we shun a damaged life? I suppose how we respond to Aline is a test of how we are. If we are fearful of her and repelled by her then maybe we are brittle, too. She clearly needs helping and not condemning.

[Neville]

Welcome to these words my old & very much respected literary friend. As you know, I only work Fridays these days & so rarely visit this site.... We are in the process of moving. If you are suitably intrigued, why not pm me....... N