Scalpel

Probably the angstiest poem I've ever written, ever.

 

Scalpel

 

A prick, a cry, a sniffle

Just a splinter,

Just an inconvenience in the finger of a six-year-old-girl

“I’ll get it out.” She says.

Sit up in the bathroom

Watch her take down her box of tools:

Once a camp nurse, always a mother.

Young eyes widen:

“What’s that? It’s sharp.”

“It’s a scalpel. It’ll take the pain away,” she explains.

Feel it gently rub against the skin,

Sweet. Electric. Forgiving.

“It’s gone,” she informs.

“It didn’t hurt.”

“Forget about it until the next splinter.

Scalpel: Healer.

 

A look, a word, a shudder.

Just a tear,

Just the overreaction of an emotional teenager.

“I’ll get rid of it,” it whispers.

Sit up in the bathroom,

Look at the door and wonder why you bother.

Look through the cabinet absently…

Sad eyes stare:

“Hello, old friend.”  

“Let me take the pain away,” it coaxes.

Savor the sharp pain of metal on flesh,

Cold. Just. Relaxing.

“It’s gone,” it murmurs.

“It didn’t hurt.”

“Good. You’ll learn.”

Scalpel: Judge.

 

A scream, a curse, a sob.

Just another argument.

Just another dagger in a young woman’s heart.

“I’ll destroy it,” it insists.

Sit up in the bathroom,

Stare at the medicine cabinet

And try to reason with a stricken mind.

Anguished eyes relinquish.

“I need you.”

“You always did,” it chuckles.

Experience the rush of a deeper mark

Detached. Angry. Merciless.

“You’re done.” it laughs.

“It hurt.”

“Yes. I know.”

Scalpel: Escape. 

Reviews

[MarchAprilMayJuneJuly]

this...was....touching!!! yeah, i totally get the whole cutting thing,(been there, done that) and i'm glad that you got over it, or at least did in this poem... it was nice how you slowly trnasformed from liking it, to realizing that it hurts and didn't take the pain away for you... nice write, keep it up!!!

[Pauline Marie Daley]

Very intense write. I love the different facets you gave the scalpel.
Healer, Judge, Escape.
A child seeks comfort in something that can take away pain.
A teenager seeks comfort in something that will mask it.
And an adult seeking comfort that just isn't there, and fading into non-existance.
Amazing job. :-)