What I Carry

I carry a lighter to kindle my therapy, So I may burn my problems away. I carry a heavy heart, In a cage-like penitentiary. I carry the blood of alcoholism, Prone to every addiction. I carry low self-esteem, My primary affliction. I carry countless knives half sheathed into my back, From all the cowards unable to finish what they've started. I carry optimism for what my future holds. At least I did, before it all departed. I carry ink stained skin, Over & under scarred tissue. I carry an obsessive mind, Dwelling restlessly on each issue. I carry regret, From love lost to life. I hold to myself An ongoing strife. The list goes on With things that vary From bad to worse. What do you carry?