put a knife . . .

put a knife to your skin
feel the coolness as pressing in
know you're alive
as blood seeps out under the knife.
feel the instant relief
as it floods over your body.
to live each day
to know you're alive
that this is not a dream
you put a knife
to your skin once again.
people tell you to stop
but you can't for the relief
is sought day after day.
no one understands you
as you seek for relief,
but i understand you
for i put a knife to my skin.
i know what you're seeking
because i am seeking it too.
know that you are not alone
as we put the knives to our skins.

june 2005