An Ode

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I challenged myself to write on the topic of self mutilation about ten years ago. Over twenty years ago I made a pact with myself (a tattoo over my scars) to never cut again. I have not.

To this splendid crimson trail
Seeping from my seam
My self ripped open wide
To ease the pain to stream

Such tangible direction
With the razor comes control
After felt named and tasted
To put a band-aid on the hole

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Silent One

Date: 1/23/2018 8:08:00 AM

Very deep just like a cut.. Happy to see you had the inner strength to change..

Emile Pinet

Date: 9/11/2017 9:44:00 AM

The shell of dark that surrounds the author’s words acts as a cocoon protecting the writer from the words. Full of emotion that rips into your mind and heart and leaves its mark on your soul. Emile.

Jan Allison

Date: 5/9/2017 5:56:00 PM

Bravo Maureen you tackle a very difficult subject with such honesty. I especially like the first stanza. I talked to a young student I worked with about self harm she had a very turbulent upbringing ... said she cut so she knew she was still alive:-( I see her now with a little baby and she has found love & looks so happy ... she has tattoos her dad does it for a living maybe she too has covered her past:-) hugs Jan xx

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart
Date: 5/10/2017 7:29:00 AM

Thank you Jan :) It horrifies me that the phenomenon has grown so widespread with today's technologies, it's not just the lone troubled teens anymore, there's cutting parties, enough of a story to make it on to public radio. I just want to hug them all. Lovely story you have shared xomo hugs to you!

Alex Duffy

Date: 3/11/2017 6:23:00 PM

This is an amazing poem, Congrats on the 20 years free from self-Harm. I also have tattoos covering my scars, so relate quite well. Congrats on a great piece :)

Darren White

Date: 3/8/2017 1:29:00 PM

I think that is wonderful. Not just about that pact and the tattoo, which I think is awesome, but also because you wrote such a relatable poem about it.

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart
Date: 3/8/2017 2:15:00 PM

Oh thank you dear! I aimed, you confirm my hit. Got that tat 3 months after breaking much of my left side, didn't hurt at all! Could have sat for a whole sleeve. xomo!