I am reclaiming this body with a different kind of scar.
Instead of the razor,
I have chosen the ink filled needle to dance on my skin.
The razor used to take salsa lessons on my arms,
Hip-hop lessons on my thighs,
And the occasional ballet lesson on my stomach.
The razor was scheduled to practice three times a day.
When it dulled, a new one took its place.
All silver shine,
All hopeful gleam.
I’d consider tattoos more hopeful, now.
They at least represent me a little better.
It will take me some time
To mask the hurt I have caused my body,
But I am on my way to renting the dance studio
To kinder students.
My anatomical hearts beat in tune.
The blues of my birds lull me to sleep.
Beautiful. “But I am on my way to renting the dance studio / To kinder students” is such a good line. I haven’t cut for six years, and this poem reminded me of how good that feels to have accomplished.
I’m so glad I was able to remind you of your accomplishment!! Congratulations!!
Oh Maskof poetry! Thank you. And the poem enriched by Angel’s comments. I haven’t cut for six years…” The juxtaposition of your cutting with your tatoos is breathtaking, truly. I feel as if the poem is a meditation on your healing. I work part time as a poetry therapist at a residential mental health place of healing. I wonder if you would be ok with giving me permission to share your poem there. Some of my clients have cut but just the hope in the poem itself. The transformation you portray could apply to so many I work with. An important poem I think. Thank you.
Hi Richard! Thanks so much! Wow, that sounds like a truly fulfilling job! I would love to just edit this poem first, but please let me know your email and I’ll send it to you when it’s ready! I’ll get to working on it right away!
Hi! Just posted a comment on your hour eleven poem that I had written yesterday but never clicked to post! My emnail is osler@shaw.ca. Looking forward to the edited version. So many thanks!
No worries! I will send that poem to you ASAP, thanks so much!