I've substituted
One dysfunctional
PAIN
For one
That's immensely
Productive

Using the cold
Sharp
Blade to
Slice my skin
Wide open
To let the
Hot
Blood gush
Free
Leaving lumpy
Atrocious
Scars
That hold
Discouraging
Memories

Will never happen again
Because

I've become
Addicted to
Permanently
Sewing ink
Into my body
To
Display an image
Of who I am
Inside
Show it
On the outside
Like a canvas
Of abstract compositions

Equal repercussions
But
A positive
Release of emotions

I do not regret
Any
Of the permanent
markings
On my skin

But I am
Proud
To have found
Such a rewarding
Alternative

For if I did not go
And get
The words of my conscious
Sewn across my chest
I would
Still be
Sitting on the
Floor
Carving names
Into my flesh
Leaving hideous
Wounds
By crossing
Them out

One painful
Accomplishing
Addition
After another
Leaves me with
An emotion
That's full of relief
A proud
Uplifting energy
To build optimism

Something that
Won't cause
Tears
To stain my face
When looked back upon

Something that
I can be absolute
About

Something that
I don't have to
Hide from people

Something that
I can
Show off
And express
Myself
Openly

Something that
Holds nostalgic
Memories
To bring
Not tears of sadness
But tears
Of pure
Bliss