the inner darkness is
in-
escape-
able.
everything is like pitch—
every-
thing
except for the soft surface,
a milky terrain,
un-
interrupted almost without
exception,
but failing to be
exceptional.
The terrain, home to dried
up
riverbeds,
is
otherwise without blemish.
tracing a path along such
forgotten streams
of when the
blood
flowed
with
ev-
er-
y
single hurt inflicted
on a seeking heart—
a soul in need of
the
very
thing
that they were doomed to
be denied—time and again.
tracing every single riverbed,
carved unnaturally
with
such
pain—
full
precision—the work of an
anxious hand steadied by
despair’s
deadly
focus;
each
riverbed
a reminder to me that I have
always been this broken.
though the rivers have dried up,
though their crimson waters
are no longer let,
their flow
no
longer
has
the
same
pull.
healed,
dull-red riverbeds,
almost brown,
lead one to the
place where
i almost
drowned
in pools of my own pain.
a secret place filled with
secret
re-
lease.
these riverbeds may be dry,
but the pain
never
goes
a
w
a
y
.
© 2025 Tristan Robert Lange. All rights reserved.
-
Author:
Tristan Robert Lange (
Offline) - Published: January 18th, 2025 08:35
- Comment from author about the poem: This poem is dedicated to those who struggle with self-harm. I have faced this challenge myself and I want you to know that you are not alone. Please seek help and support. For immediate support in the U.S., contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, or texting 'HOME' to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. Both services are available 24/7 and offer free, confidential support. International readers can find local mental health resources by visiting organizations like Befrienders Worldwide or the International Association for Suicide Prevention, which provide directories of helplines and support services across different countries.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 20
- Users favorite of this poem: LP2187, isa kemmy, NinjaGirl, Mutley Ravishes
Offline)
Comments9
Wow, such a haunting and emotional poem. It really stood out to me as I still struggle with that. Thanks for sharing.
You are welcome, my dear friend. I am sorry you struggle with it, too, but glad that the poem resonated. At least we're not alone in this, right? Thank you so much for your time and for your willingness to be open and share as well. That takes much courage. ❤️🩹
Thank you for your kind words. Yeah, it does feel better to know I'm not alone.
You are welcome! Indeed, it does feel better for me too! 🤗
Good write T.
Thank you, Orchi! Much. appreciated, my dear friend! ❤️🙏
A most interesting format Tristan and it appears to be a dried river bed. A great message and much needed
Thank you, Soren. Indeed, it is much needed. Thank you so much for reading, for your analysis and insight, as well as for noticing the shape as well. Much appreciated on every level! 🙏❤️
Quite possibly the single most important public service announcement in poetic form that I have ever come across .. indeed, I know for a fact that self harm in any and all of its many forms is a huge global issue because I encounter it almost every day .. Neville
Indeed, it is. Thank you so much, Neville, for reading, commenting, and sharing your experience. All very much appreciated, my friend! Glad to do my part. 🙏❤️
excellent write , i like it, sometimes we go through this .
Thank you, Isa. Indeed, sometimes we do. I am glad the poem resonated. Thank you so much for stopping by, reading, faving and sharing your thoughts! ❤️🙏
I never would have thought to use a dry riverbed for symbolism! I absolutely love that idea, the flowing of blood and the scars like the cracked soil. I seriously love this poem.
Thank you, my dear friend! When I read your poem yesterday after having written this...I knew something divine was going on! 🤣 Anywho, I am glad you loved it. Thank you for reading, faving, commenting, and supporting. Always appreciated! ❤️🙏
Of course, nothing like a little magic!
You know it. 🪄
Rivulets like the branches of veins, nerves and arteries… a fitting image; quite powerful. My choice back then was a more noose type affair… but I’ve since walked away from that, although there are days when the option presents itself in passing. Your courage registers clearly. 🙏🏻🕊👍🏻
Indeed. Good Sunday to you (if I have my time zones correct)! Thank you, my friend! Yes, I am glad we have survived those days, even though they never really fully leave us. I guess it is what makes us who we are. Thank you so much for your time and for your feedback! ❤️🙏
A cry for help
I hurt myself
Am I this way
Because I’m ready to break
Out of the cage ?
Haunting writing and imagery, Tristan.
Thank you, my friend. Your time, fave, and thoughts are really appreciated! 🙏❤️
👍👍
A powerful poem,
thoughts and message
on the subject of
suicide prevention,
loved the AN if anyone
in need of help!!! 🙏
Best regards ✌️ Thad
Indeed. Thank you, Thad! Glad it resonated. Your time and feedback are much appreciated! 🙏❤️
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