My heart feels like
it's about to shut down
from all the truths
that only I know

People view me 
as kind
selfless
heartfelt 
with empathy

Yet once they witness
my darker side
this inner demon
that is always
a few steps behind me

Once they see
the ashes and smeared blood
tainted within my mind and heart

I am once again alone
alone to pick up the pieces 
of a love that never was

Cherrysnuggles

Worthless

Jun 4, 2026

June 2026

2026

Anger & Conflict - June 2026

Beauty & Aesthetics - June 2026

Dark & Scary - June 2026

Death & Mortality - June 2026

Drama & Tragedy - June 2026

Family & Relationships - June 2026

Fantasy & Magical - June 2026

Happiness & Joy - June 2026

Heartbreak & Loss - June 2026

Historical & Ancient - June 2026

Hope & Optimism - June 2026

Humor & Satire - June 2026

Inspiration & Motivation - June 2026

Love & Romance - June 2026

Mystery & Supernatural - June 2026

Nature & Environment - June 2026

Philosophical & Intellectual - June 2026

Political & Social - June 2026

Sadness & Melancholy - June 2026

Sexy & Sensual - June 2026

Time & Nostalgia - June 2026

Transformation & Change - June 2026

War & Heroism - June 2026

World & Travel - June 2026

chuck-kean

This is me except for the Love part because I have love now. My worthlessness comes from being brainwashed every day by an abusive alcoholic father. So sometimes that demon comes out but my love still loves me even though she&#8217;s seen my ugly. Hope you find love!!!

removed.-j7sr

I wouldn't worry about it. The way things are going in the South East, it'll all be nuclear ashes before we hit 2030.
So might as well get on with living before it's too late to live any more. Nice heartfelt narrative. Embrace your demons. They're part of you.

barry-3

removed.-yj9f

ShallowSky

keith-edward-baucum

removed.-r2fd

ravindra-nayak

star-bg

Well written Wish you would awaken to who you really are to see the divine sacred eternal precious smart person you are. But guess perhaps some day you will. Till than feel what you need to feel to wipe slate of pain away with an eraser of love. Blessings

maxneumann

Outstanding write, I need to repost that.

Seadrin

Don't think I've ever related to anything more.

Erianrose

I relate greatly to this :) Splendid work! Just know that you are never alone. ^^ I wish you well! You are brilliant in writing and a very truthful piece! <3

removed.-2btb

anmolmago

chris-heidelberg

eleanor-prince

Superb work. Heart aches for this dilemma, and one that most of us have faced.  
They say if we embrace the shadow part of ourselves, as long as it really is part of our own self (and not some introject left from outside us), then we can compassionately work with it to transform this aspect out of the pain it carries. 
Much appreciated poem

rick-warr

ronza-jairy

poetype

patricia-leduc

Rapcallion

eloisa

virginiagiglio

torchinorfanij

peakay_96

jungiansoulbuck

I really like the angle here. Perhaps you're firmillar with the Jungian/Freudian peridigm of The shadow.

MichelleBerta

removed.-cfc2

Anastasia, this is an amazing write 
very deep dark, but Incredibly written, excellent work.

Nargis

Carolineshank

mango-van-rasp

absinthe

- selfless is the sneakiest form of selfish

- everyone has a dark side. when we let it take control of us, we try to take control of others. we can&#8217;t take control of it until we can be kind to ourselves 

- you&#8217;re only as worthless as you allow others to make you feel

- the love never was only if it never was on your end 

- hurt people, hurt people. you are no better than them if you hurt anyone, starting with yourself

shviolet

Very beautiful piece. And of course I can relate at the same time. Thank you for sharing something so personal <3

I'm about to write one that's familiar with your words

sunshine-6

Elvan

Interesting insight on how those you expect to can not deal with the real person you are.

iam_kingsage

DEmbrey

I feel your pain. I've felt like for the same reasons. But remember, everyone is loved by someone, and there's someone special waiting for you! I already like you, and we haven't even met!

removed.-lpky

but you are not alone in your quandary sister poet

SarahShahzad

wow this is realy awesome read, love it..

joevoltage

Hmmm
Truth carefully lined
I feel all the tones sip into my bones
Great work there Ann

bug-1

Great poem. It feels like that every time someone leaves, but that's not always the case. the few that truly care and love you will stay after seeing your demon. We all have at least one, and those that accept yours you should be able to accept theirs.

patrickmpu

grimsly

I couldnt have said it better myself. your are amazing! telling this story speaks to me. welcome to the boat.

SergePB

It is better to love and lose than never try.  We all have our demons, but try not to forget you are also a child of light, never truly alone in a universe created by Love. 
I am not trying to minimize your pain, yes it hurts, bad. Just don't give up hope.

LoriJonesMcCaffery

I'm sure this was painful to write, but it should put those demons a steps further behind to know they've been spotted.

Hijklmno

Prerna

MikeD

Love comes first from within that heart and it blooms like a rose in the springtime

SAmeme

The fact that this is so relatable- that alone says something. Great poem

anne-curtin

Your title really caught my attention & that kept me reading to the end. A heartfelt & difficult place to be -
congrats on the daily.

zebrablack

Finally you are liberated
read the dark poets and literary luminaries
Embrace your dark side without losing your light
Its called becoming authentic
xo

bonita-costello

People who relent after they "witness" you.  Were never your friends.  They were not even looking!  They are fair weathered my friends.  I carry my own umbrella

shamamama

...heartfelt, empathy....ashes and smeared blood tainted within my mind and heart....a love that never was....felt   the loss, the alone, the worthless....great ink...

removed.-wn15

Nice!
 A planned crime is always ahead of the one; the one who the crime wants its victim; the victim remain alone to struggle.

Bet_poet44

This sounds to me like a very self demeaning poem. Very sad and hopeless. I think it is well written, descriptive and I like the way you spaced it.

That is wonderful; being able to accept yourself is the first step towards knowing your actual value, as well as being blessed with the ability to acquire a better set of friends.