My Demons

Why can't I let my demons go?

I'm forever married to the darkness.

I keep screaming into my pillow,

hoping that I'll disappear into thin air.

I light another cigarette,

hoping the smoke will choke me, 

knowing that with every new cigarette, 

I'll be closer to the darkness.

Closer to you.

We all might have something that keeps us wide awake at night, 

keeps our thoughts running wild.

Words are like knives on my skin, slowly cutting me up.

I realize, not every story has a happy ending. 

I can feel him waiting for me.

His eyes are on me.

Sucking me into his embrace.

I can feel him in my bloodstream.

I can't breathe.

He's here,

he's come out to play. 

Author's Note

Something different. A work in progress.
*Congratulations!
Your poem My Demons has been awarded First in the What Are Your Secrets? writing contest.*

Reviews

[prachi prangya agasti]

Words are like knives on my skin, slowly cutting me up. Loved this line. And there exist a very thin line between darkness and light and once we cross the boundary to the other side, it's very difficult to fight our way into the light. A really thoughtful poem, i liked it.

[Giulia King]

I agree, it's difficult. Sometimes, to get into the light, you have to fight your demons first.

[D Connolly]

Sometimes our personal demons are comforting in their own sick way. After all, they stick around when no one else does.

[Giulia King]

Exactly, Dani!! I'm happy you get me :)

[Ashwin Shanker]

Scary poem, I share the same sentiment whenever I smoke a cigarette, It is like sending a text message to my departed friends that I am on my way.
The art work with this poem fits perfectly.

[Giulia King]

I feel the same way. Thank you, Ashan :)

[T0TS]

I love it...I tater tot smoked for twenty some odd years and you described the filthy habit of smoking so well...as in poetry all work is in progress...and that makes it a beautiful thing. Well done.

[Giulia King]

Thank you, Tots! :)

[T0TS]

You're very welcome, Gullia. :)

[Cecelia A. Green]

this scared me omg. Really good tho, i really like the photo you attached too.

[Giulia King]

Thank you so much, Cecelia!

[mercy party]

A little outside of the box. It worked well. Terrifying! Your writing gets better each time around. : )

[Giulia King]

I'm so happy you like it! :) Outside the box, yes. I really wanted to try to write about something different :)

[Isabella Ivy]

Although I do believe we may do the right things and still suffer, we have a choice where to take that suffering to. I will not allow myself to cross a line into particular places (which in turn only cause more suffering). This poem describes the point were the sufferer hands over their control, a dangerous place. And although the place is real, I tend to stop short of it and write hope, so that others know there is another way. Thank you for the read request :) I.I.

[Giulia King]

I think that when bad things happen in your life, like losing a loved one or a near death accident. You kinda go into a dark place where you feel like even if you don't allow yourself to cross a line into particular places, you suddenly end up there anyway. Once you're in that dark hole, you end up going deeper and deeper. And thinking that you have a choice doesn't include everyone. No one wants to suffer in life. But yet, they do. Everyone has demons inside themselves, but not everyone decides to embrace them.

[Isabella Ivy]

I wholy understand your words. My life has included torment the long way through, without exaggeration. And it is true, I might have gone to those places had I not called out for good help beyond my own ability. Thank you for the response! I enjoyed our conversation. Blessings to you dear poet :) I.I.

[Giulia King]

In enjoy them as well :) Blessings to you too, dear! :)

[Isabella Ivy]

:):):):):):)

[Stacy Purvis]

The real question is: Will you be controlled or take control? Suffering is a choice.
Powerful...loved it.

[Giulia King]

You're right.. Thank you so much :)

[matrixmark]

The useage of words in this piece are really well thought out. I like the how you used smoking a cigarette to try and escape the addiction but also showed at the same time how the addiction has controls the person..

Words are like knives on my skin - WOW what an impacting line that was.
The picture which you used, symbolised everything about this addictive piece.

Bleak...yes.
Good read....yes.

But well worth my time to read a gem of a piece.
Mark.

[Giulia King]

Thank you for the amazing review! :)

[matrixmark]

Great piece to have read.
So i thank you for bringing it to my attention.

Mark.

[yuhee]

We all have our own demon. It's either we fight against it or embrace it. Depression, addiction and anxiety.. It's all present. Very nice.

[Giulia King]

So true. Thank you for reading