My Important Promise

At first, it started with tiny scrapes.

I did not break the skin at all.

But after a while, I would cut harder

Until I left long-lasting scars.

I had never meant it to get so bad.

I thought I could control it.

But I soon found out that I needed it.

And then I would cut deeper.

It got to a point where I did not want to stop.

It was soon a pastime rather than relief.

But then I began to realize

That I was hurting others besides me.

I had made a promise

To someone important to me

That I would stop my self-abuse

If they quit a vice of theirs.

It didn’t last long

And I felt very guilty.

But I started over again

And it lasted longer than expected.

But cutting is like drugs.

In its own weird way.

It goes straight for your brain

And it begins to take over.

I always find myself

Breaking my important promise

And everyday I suffer

Because it is the only thing I have.

I do not want to lose this person

But I am sure I will.

If I don’t stop myself now

A time will come when nothing will.