Jagged

Odd lines of poetry
From when I was seventeen
No one read it back then
I pictured them as mean

Yet how could they have accessed
My key-locked diary
I was isolated and suicidal
A depressed, unmedicated teen

Jagged lines of poetry
Fraught with darkest feels
As an adult I tell my story
Broke my diary’s seal

Now the world can access
What I experienced back then
They offer help I no longer need
Hear my far-too-late appeals

Image Description: a side profile of a young woman’s face. A rectangular section has been photo shopped for smoother skin and brighter features.

Story Behind the Poem:
I developed multiple mental health issues in high school (and some perhaps even before) but I didn't have a safe adult to talk to about it. I'd often write poetry when the feelings were too much since I shared a room with my little sister and didn't want to upset her by crying in front of her.

Lately I've been sharing much of my poetry. Some is new, some is edits of the poems filling my diaries. When I share them on Facebook I often have people who were adults when I was a teen comment or message me worried about my mental health. I appreciate the effort but it also feels a bit sour that now that I'm in a good place and my illnesses are managed I am getting offers of the help I never received when I needed it most.

https://elameadows.wordpress.com/2023/09/27/jagged