Paper Cuts

You see
my step-mother
once said...

 

"The way you go about your life is pointless"

 

"You bury yourself so deep into those notebooks

the world passes you by"

 

"And theose artist fingers

cause you cramps"

 

At a young age
I had to learn
to dodge stones
grow angry scales
along freckled skin
and open my eyes to a world
not quite ready to hear
this poets voice

 

Speaking in tongues
to those paid to listen
of fairytale wars
battle scars
and the many
linoleum squares
I counted
day in
and
day
out

 

Bruses
tiled
like
dragon
scales

 

I became mute

 

Escaping through
rabbit holes and back alleys
into a world of ink
and worthy paper cuts

 

I wear these
paper cuts
like a f*****g
fashion statement!

 

And this goes out to you

 

The Eden snakes
you dead-eyed demons

 

It is you
that keeps me
up at night
weighing down
these artistic fingers
 
IT IS YOU
I WILL SLAM AT
ON OPEN MIC NIGHT!

 

Because I

I do have a life
worth writing about

 

Because

 

I will never be pretty enough
articulate enough or
fake enough
to fit societies
standards

 

But you see 

I dont give a s**t
cause I ware
this poet
skin well

 

Because

 

It is artistic creation
that sustains my existence

 

Cause most never bothered
to look for the smoke
from the heat
of my words

 

Because

 

I need to get
some s**t
off my
chest

 

Because

 

There are some things
that need to be heard

 

Because

 

My journal entries
may someday save a life

 

Because

 

There is more to history

 

Because

 

If I don't pound
my computer keys
late at night
I’ll be pounding
in someone’s face
 
Because

 

If I don't pour out my anger
I’ll be in a cell writing about why I’m there

 

Because....

 

Every syllable
Every stanza
and verb
is essential
to my
survival

 

You see
my step-mother
once said

 

"The way you go about your life is pointless"

 

"You bury yourself so deep into those notebooks
the world passes you by"

 

"As those artist fingers
cause you cramps"

 

By Samantha Campbell

Author's Note

this is a re post of a work from last year ... just now after an edit for some reason the format is all jumbled up so Im posting it as new, but Im leaving it on here in my unplublished work

CPDBP-GENYT-VSYA4

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I understand this poem. At eight years old. I was deep into the great literature of my day. The Jack London, Hemingway and Nevil Shute held my attention. I was told to have some real fun. I kept reading about places i wanted to see.
"I wear these
paper cuts
like a f*****g
fashion statement!'
Thank you for sharing the excellent poem.
Coyote

[J.V. Stanley]

I want to hear this beauty on Youtube!! This would make an excellent spoken word video! Such power and truth!

I remember when I was younger while my brothers were off doing their track meets, wrestling meets, football, cross country, and other extracurriculars, I was up in the middle of the night plugging away at the old school word processor developing stories and writing poetry. I'd spend hours listening to music, writing in my journals and turning in my 1,000 word creative writing assignments into 10,000 word stories (much to my teacher's chagrin). I was considered the 'black sheep' so to speak. Most people thought my poetry and writing wouldn't get me anywhere, but it is and always has been my life. Here I am, 33 years young and it still remains my passion and I want to teach others how important it is to embrace the arts, especially literature.

To continue with such obvious opposition, especially from a mother-ish figure is nothing short of nightmarish. I can sense the hostility and bitterness you feel-rightfully so when its obvious that writing is your calling. The only thing we can embrace is how we will react to our children and their desires, to not repeat the mistakes of our elders who found themselves to be entitled to belittle the passions that we have. We all have our own separate calling within this world and as much as we would like to convince the 'haters' that we have the right to do with our lives as we please, there comes a time when we have to acknowledge that we may never get that acceptance. Then you get to be an old fart like me and you just stop giving a s**t what other people think and just keep doing what you do. In the end, what matters is YOUR happiness...not others. We are in control of ourselves and what we put out into this world.

I was serious though, YOUTUBE THIS BEAUTY, then post the link in the comments section on my profile because I wanna see it!

[PossiblyAlice]

I like how it seemed like a fight against the oppression that society bears down on you and your fight to over come it. How you have to build a shell. I think many of us misfits feel like this. Thank you for embracing it and daring to live outside the norm! :)

[Sethnicity]

I love it when you are angry!
I hope to see you slam someday!
"Escaping through
rabbit holes and back alleys
into a world of ink
and worthy paper cuts"

[Samantha ~virginpoet]

much thanks .. this poems close to my heart, well they all are lol but this one is a little more so

[fernii]

Wow, Love it so much, i can really relate to it :)

[The Doctor]

You continue to amaze me with your emotional convection. It is absolutely amazing. I can understand your position that you are in, I was there for many years. But, again, it is a piece a reader can relate, a piece where the reader can be filled with the emotion. You are an amazing writer and truly enjoyed reading. Write until you can no longer hold a pen Samantha. -The Doctor

[Alexandria Reece]

I love the heights of passion you reached with this and how clear your message was. I am certain many will relate to this, my father used to shake his head in shame at me when my mother would ask me to share my poetry aloud. I felt for you in these words and you made my brow furrow in displeasure at this woman who would tell you such a thing. I am glad you persisted, because in all truth you are very good at what you do. May you always continue, to the end of your days Samantha.

[Samantha ~virginpoet]

Thank you very much ... I lost a lot of work because of her when she found my journals that I wrote everything in my poetry, stories, and my life ... the way she treated me I guess she burned them cause she was scared she would get in trouble anyway I learned to hide my writings at school lol needless to say she couldn't brain wash me maybe I'm just really stubborn. I know my heart and my head I've always known who I am Maybe I'm weird that way. But it confuses me to no end when I hear people don't know who they are confounding and sad.

I've been thinking about writing a poem about how I swear I'll die by the pen

[Alexandria Reece]

That makes me really upset that anyone thinks they have the licence to destroy an artist's work. Ugh! As for your idea for another poem I think that's an excellent idea. When you write it can you link it to me in an email? I have RRs disabled, but I would love love love to read it.

[Gazza]

Brilliant piece, encouraging for those who do things differently, not only poets but other activities people sometimes disregard in society. You have really stood up for them all. Thank you.

[Samantha ~virginpoet]

Thanks :) that mean a lot

[Ruth]

And what a statement! Conviction and passion abound :)
Sometimes we have to face the forwards direction and believe...truly believe!!!
xoxo

[Samantha ~virginpoet]

Thanks Poppy

[Ruth]

Mwah1

[Samantha ~virginpoet]

xoxo
:)~

[Freedom's Child]

Great piece, I felt sorrow in the first part and felt as the sorrow turned to anger and a f**k you emotion. The harsh imagery vividly shows how a poet uses their work to release. I really like this piece and could relate, thanks.

[TawnyBlueStar]

This is wonderful!! :D
I agree with V.J.C. :) and I love the "I wear these paper cuts like a f*****g fashion statement!' part :D amazing poem!