#slef - Hello Poetry

I woke with strings attached to my arms and legs. I was quite young when I first saw them on others, but when I mentioned it, nobody seemed to know what I was talking about. They dismissed it — as adults do with a lot of things children say they see. But no. Now I’m older, and they’ve appeared on me. I never quite knew what the strings were for, but as I went through the day, I noticed they followed every movement I made — my arms, my legs, even my fingers. The strings moved and bent with me. If I moved too fast, without thinking, I found myself tangled in my own strings. Unable to move as smoothly as before. And when I wanted to do something drastic, it took a bit more of a tug. I always feel them there. Sometimes, when I let them, the strings move me around on their own. I have nothing to do with it. One morning, I began to wonder — does everyone have their own strings? I sat, legs crossed, on a wooden chair at the round kitchen table, staring at the black and white tiled floor. The smell of freshly made coffee filled my nose, and the strings attached to my arms started to flutter, in and out of existence. I can’t quite remember what I was thinking then. But I felt a piece of myself return. That’s when I realized: I’m in control. I’ve been in control this whole time — regardless of who or what is holding the top of those strings. I can take that small wooden “X” back whenever I want. And just like that, they disappeared. I wasn’t sure how long it would last or if it was just a fluke. But the next morning, I felt no tug at my arms. When I moved too fast, I didn’t get tangled. I could move freely through the world. Still, to this day, I see people with these strings attached to them. Some are thick ropes, some a thin thread. Everyone is different. Yet, they still aren’t quite able to see them. And if they do, I’m not sure how long it will be until they fade away — until they take back control. Do you have control?

0

Jul 14, 2025

Jul 14, 2025 at 2:56 PM UTC

loolaxox

Puppets

I woke with strings attached to my arms and legs. I was quite young when I first saw them on others, but when I mentioned it, nobody seemed to know what I was talking about. They dismissed it — as adults do with a lot of things children say they see. But no. Now I’m older, and they’ve appeared on me. I never quite knew what the strings were for, but as I went through the day, I noticed they followed every movement I made — my arms, my legs, even my fingers. The strings moved and bent with me. If I moved too fast, without thinking, I found myself tangled in my own strings. Unable to move as smoothly as before. And when I wanted to do something drastic, it took a bit more of a tug. I always feel them there. Sometimes, when I let them, the strings move me around on their own. I have nothing to do with it. One morning, I began to wonder — does everyone have their own strings? I sat, legs crossed, on a wooden chair at the round kitchen table, staring at the black and white tiled floor. The smell of freshly made coffee filled my nose, and the strings attached to my arms started to flutter, in and out of existence. I can’t quite remember what I was thinking then. But I felt a piece of myself return. That’s when I realized: I’m in control. I’ve been in control this whole time — regardless of who or what is holding the top of those strings. I can take that small wooden “X” back whenever I want. And just like that, they disappeared. I wasn’t sure how long it would last or if it was just a fluke. But the next morning, I felt no tug at my arms. When I moved too fast, I didn’t get tangled. I could move freely through the world. Still, to this day, I see people with these strings attached to them. Some are thick ropes, some a thin thread. Everyone is different. Yet, they still aren’t quite able to see them. And if they do, I’m not sure how long it will be until they fade away — until they take back control. Do you have control?

9

Enigmatic locks of brunette hair let out a cathartic release Now watch as the man flees with the upmost glee As he is faced with emerald gazes Fear Fear Fear L Fear Fear o v Fear e Not of the reaper but which was sown Of ones own ilk. Envy H Envy a Envy p Envy p Y Even Narcissus was brought down In a pool of his own grandiosity Doubt Doubt Doubt No more

0

Apr 12, 2019

Apr 12, 2019 at 9:45 AM UTC

Tesky

Catharsis

Enigmatic locks of brunette hair let out a cathartic release Now watch as the man flees with the upmost glee As he is faced with emerald gazes Fear Fear Fear L Fear Fear o v Fear e Not of the reaper but which was sown Of ones own ilk. Envy H Envy a Envy p Envy p Y Even Narcissus was brought down In a pool of his own grandiosity Doubt Doubt Doubt No more

20

I couldn't choose to live life quietly if I wanted to That the lion's roar rings true for all to hear. That I must make a fool of myself When facing life I will do so embracing it with a laugh When facing death I will do so I will wail for those who cannot I dare not squelch a soul, I dare not wish it on anyone That your soul should live, and live loudly

0

May 17, 2015

May 17, 2015 at 12:54 PM UTC

Courtlyn-Daun-Quay

"You're both different, Hes quiet, your loud"

I couldn't choose to live life quietly if I wanted to That the lion's roar rings true for all to hear. That I must make a fool of myself When facing life I will do so embracing it with a laugh When facing death I will do so I will wail for those who cannot I dare not squelch a soul, I dare not wish it on anyone That your soul should live, and live loudly

7