Beyond Me
Skin Deep
And the music plays on
My thoughts give no release
One after the other
Claiming small parts of me
Watching the clouds
Reading the signs
Storm clouds are brewing
I’m running out of time
Out of patience and money
No other options arise
Pulling out all the stops
Fueling the fire in my eyes
Until the beat can take over
Calming the beast here inside
Ripping and clawing
Tearing flesh from my hide
It's all written down
displayed on my skin
Some forsaken clown
With a painted-on grin
Each day, like the next
Changing adverbs for nouns
Scribbled there on my neck
Subtly whittled down
Until my independence
Has become cookie cutter
Never need to finish a sentence
Because they prefer dumber
They don't want me to think
It only adds to the clutter
Pour me something to drink
So, I will never discover
That I am just like the rest
Exactly like every other
That had something to say
That just might challenge the drummer
Opinions get in the way
When you don't follow form
So, they keep me sedated
A soft, pliable worm
Easy to control
They just adjust the rhythm
A fish in their bowl
That just keeps on swimming
If I ever have doubt
Or feel that I am sinking
I simply pull my mirror out
And read what I should be thinking
About the Creator
Kelli Sheckler-Amsden
Telling stories my heart needs to tell <3 life is a journey, not a competition
If you like what you read, feel free to leave a tip, I would love some feedback
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Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
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More stories from Kelli Sheckler-Amsden and writers in Poets and other communities.
If You Love Me, You'll Do It
I met Jason when I was five years old. I could say that I loved him from the moment I saw him. He was so handsome to me and I felt in awe by his presence. When they introduced him as the new kid in school, I wanted to be his friend right away. I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember his smile and how he didn't seem shy. He appeared confident and ready to learn. I waved at him and said "hello," before anyone else could even say a word. He sat next to me, and I asked him if he wanted to be friends. He looked so happy as he said, "Yes!"
By Sidney Smith (Sid Smith)7 days ago in Fiction
Comments (20)
It’s also very relatable I think.
This is beautiful
Damn this was so we'll timed, see you on stage slammin' this dressed liked Billie Ellish.
Abosolutly beautiful
“Changing adverbs for nouns” is one of so many genius lines in this! Bravo, Kelli!
Such a great stream of consciousness. Congratulations on the Top Story, too!
Loved this slam piece!! 'So, they keep me sedated/A soft, pliable worm' and these lines just felt too relatable. Congrats on TS!!
There it is. Congrats on the TS.
Congratulations on your TS!
This was a beat down in a rap style, poetic justice that I adore 🥰
I loved this!
This is very nice and dark. I really resonated with this. I am a dark poetry writer myself and I have to say, great job.
Well done on TS! "It's all written down/displayed on my skin/Some forsaken clown/With a painted-on grin" was my favourite bit, but soft pliant worm came a close second 😁
This was really intense. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Congratulations on the top story! Beautiful✨
Creative and impressive!!! Love it!!!❤️❤️💕
This sounds like living life with all the ups and downs that occur. Good work.
Uh.. I don't even know what to say. This is one of the best things I've ever read. Outstanding 👏👏
another masterpiece, TS candidate for sure on this one. :) great work.
Ooohh, I love this, Kelli! I got some “1984” vibes from this. I especially loved this line: “Some forsaken clown With a painted-on grin.” Nice!