This is not a particularly happy poem and I guess it may offend some people. Self harm is a big issue which really needs to be addressed. People should be encouraged to speak about their problems more instead of turning to hurting themselves so that they “feel better”. And yes, I have done it.

The carved wooden handle,
The cool sharpened blade,
I can’t feel any pain,
From the cuts I just made.

The swift slicing motion,
Breaks through my skin,
They say you can’t stop,
But only after you begin.

My arm is the target,
Pain relief is the aim,
But now I’ve cut it open,
All I feel is shame.

I don’t feel any better,
Was there ever a need?
None of this helped me,
All I do is bleed.

(c) Matt Davies 2005