so often when I feel
like the dog I am
I let my hair grow
avoid the shower
my convalescence
is more like
my reluctance
to let sleeping dogs
lie and die
preventing what I was
being what I could be
in my weakened state
my reformed stance
crumbles
I scratch my skin
in failure
to let the sin out
to let the pain free
but
a touch of love
can cut through
the resounding
feeling of loathing
feather down soft
like Egyptian cotton
of the finest quality
so I plead and beg
like the dog I am
open my wounds
show them to you
welcome the help
the antiseptic
of kindness
and empathy
that you give
*
Thanks for reading!
Author's Notes: This was originally published on Medium via the publication Scuzzbucket on March 27th, 2025. You can find the link below:
About the Creator
Paul Stewart
Award-Winning Writer, Poet, Scottish-Italian, Subversive.
The Accidental Poet - Poetry Collection out now!
Streams and Scratches in My Mind coming soon!
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Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
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Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
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Comments (32)
"Very insightful."
This was absolutely beautiful. Raw and so, so relatable.
Beautifully melancholic Paul - Excellent!
I like this a lot!
Well said! Antiseptic is cruel kindness.
This person is lucky really. Warmly penned. Hope you are travelling alright Paul. 🙂
Absolutely beautiful - Like Egyptian cotton of the finest quality. Nicely Done!!1
The story that stole your words is this one https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/anti-septic-hnbph0ry6%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E It has been reported Your words are excellent though
I just found out about someone heisting your story. Unbelievable!!! They couldn't even wait until it was much older. Sorry you were the target of this pathetic crime when all you want to do is celebrate this amazing poem! Seriously, you were deep in your zone when you wrote this. Top notch stuff!!!
A touching exploration of self-loathing, vulnerability, and the healing power of love and kindness.congratulation's my dear 💖
Paul...https://shopping-feedback.today/poets/anti-septic-hnbph0ry6%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E This idiot.
niceee
Wow sometimes life gets so heavy we struggle to move and take care of ourselves. This poem is so relatable. Congratulations on top story ♥︎
Loved it!
I can feel the seething pain from the glowing healing love! Very intense.
Loved the poem.
🎉 Congrats on getting Top Story!!! 🥳 Well deserved and super proud of you! 🙌✨👏
Sir Paul, this person has plagiarised your poem. I'll leave the link in the comment below
Congratulations Paul, well done!!!
Take the O out of Poet and what have you got 😁 Well done on your TS
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Some really strong imagery in this! Felt the itch and the relief of it all! Congrats on a well-deserved Top Story!
Aww love is literally the air I breathe
Feel the burn of the words, Paul, as they heal
Loved this, Paul. Love is indeed powerful magic.