Thursday, January 23, 2025

Unwilling Decision

By Grace Jackson

-

If ever there was a choice to let feelings leave,

I’d take the risk and sign in blood.

Sign it away: the bubbling thoughts, the prayers,

The wish I can’t quite remember from when I was small

I grasped onto that fire so deeply, the embers charring my little fingertips,

And now, only a trace remains.

A thin tendril of smoke, following my steps as if my fingerprints endured.

Even now, I wear a brand,

A name, carved upon my skin with the dagger of your spite.

Starving youth begs for any amount of love,

And it appears I was no different.

Every night, I whispered, sang a new song for your praise

In hopes for another scrapthe crust off your bread

Or a wilted grape.

I will always fall at your feet,

No matter the grotesque pet I seem

I signed away my life when I met you,

And no other contract bears the same seal.

 

 

About the Author

Grace Jackson is a first-year at ICC and is starting her journey to become a recognized artist. She uses her art and writing as a way to express what she cannot through simple words. Outside of school, she spends most of her time analyzing creative works and finding joy in character creation and world development and hopes to someday take part in designing something great.

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