(18) Ode To A Burns Victim

The first poem I wrote when in hospital in 1997, and then revised in 2003.

Does anyone know what it's like to burn
To have your flesh blister like a white hot sun
To feel your nerve endings popping
Skin ablaze with the fire not stopping

Your left leg on fire, wish you were dreaming
Your foot a ball of flame and you keep on screaming
But exactly what was your crime
Only being at the wrong place at the wrong time

So years on this is how the story goes
You got severe scarring and lost two toes
This story is true, it's for me to tell
It's left me slightly unhinged, I've been through hell

So life's a mess, getting women? I'm out of luck
If you don't like looking at me, I don't give a f**k
It's okay for you, you can just walk away
For me, I have to live with it every day

Copyright
Chris Smith 1997/revised 2003

Reviews

[Jeremy Wyatt]

Strewth Chris, I have been wondering for along time about the attack, I guess I know a wee bit now, but can only imagine the rest. You seem to be coming out of the experience with strehgth and awareness, at least that is how it seems reading your poems. A tough and powerful poem mate.
Makes me think of when I met Simon Weston, a privelege to meet him, you must be a chip off the block x

[Siddartha Beth Pierce]

Extremely powerful. My grandmother was a burn victim as well - third degree...I have written about it too...I agree with your statement - for any tragedy writing can certainly be therapeutic...Ironically her family came from Wales - I have been to Llandudno and Caenarvon visiting old family graves. Thank you for this and bless you in your healing.
Light,
Siddartha

[Coyote Poetry]

The poem tells a real story. Thanks for sharing. Hard for people to grasp the pain and hurt of others. The poem was honest words and very direct. Thank you for sharing this powerful poem.
Coyote

[LA Lorena]

This is all so raw and real Chris. This is gritty, angry and sad, full of emotion and pain. This shares it all. THIS is poetry. Brilliant work!

[Kiri Nells]

Great emotion and well told story. Pain and suffering is expressed very well here. Great write!

[Kelz]

Can't even begin to feel the pain you went through and the nightmares you have experienced. I hope that with time you realise that not everyone will judge by the cover. Thank you so much for sharing this x

[Judy Ponceby]

Such raw emotion. Expressed brilliantly. I certainly hope after all this time you have been able to move beyond these feelings, and make the wonderful life you deserve.