I Can't Betray My Momma

A poem inspired by my own stories.

I never break the skin.

One time I made that mistake and momma found out.

I could tell she was disappointed,

But happy that I came clean.

She trusted me not to do it again.

I didn't get routine checks for cuts.

She just trusted me.

I thought about it a few times,

But I never did.

I can't betray my momma.

 

The time I did,

It was with a sharpened number 2 pencil.

During English class.

Why? Because I was stupid.

It felt good.

Didn't hurt much.

I didn't do it in one deep cut...

I just kept going over it

And eventually the skin gave way.

I didn't bleed.

I betrayed my momma.

 

I'll never do it again.

That was the only time.

Sometimes I'll be cutting up food

Or using a box cutter

And I'll wonder what it would feel like,

But I never do it.

I never will.

I'm not like that.

I never really was.

I never will be.

I won't betray my momma.