Paper Chains
A poem on choosing goodbye
I hung onto people,
like those paper chains we made in grade school.
Taped together, colorful chaos.
I held on even when some links stopped holding their own weight,
I watched myself tear and fall apart,
because I trusted time more than respect.
A crumpled up & torn version of myself,
trying to tape myself back together after every friendship travesty.
I’d find myself stuck to them again,
linking up because of the past
like time spent together meant I owed them more.
When I finally let go on my own,
I transformed, almost alchemical.
I made links of steel,
with like minded souls.
People who didn’t weigh me down,
but lifted me and kept me level.
Permanent fixtures of friendship,
I’d torn through so many false facades to find.
About the Creator
Josey Pickering
Autistic, non-binary, queer horror nerd with a lot to say.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Keep reading
More stories from Josey Pickering and writers in Poets and other communities.
Center Stage with Gina C.
*** I'm keen to republish the interviews I did for my series with Vocal creators. It's been a few years and I thought it might be nice to revisit these wonderful conversations. I'll be releasing them one at a time for a few weeks/months.
By Heather Hubler6 days ago in Interview
Comments (17)
Wow! THAT hit home! Congratulations on top story. Such a great poem
well written.
This was sadly so relatable. I loved the use of 'alchemical'. Really wonderful work, Josey :)
A wonderfully presented poetic analogy
You have captured what I have felt many times - well done!! Congrats on TS❣️
Nicely done it, congrats dear.
Nice, top story and great
This is beautifully written :)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this! The imagery you chose contained a perfect analogy for your message. I hadn't thought about those paper chains since, like forever! A magical top story that deserves every accolade!
Really strong voice here.
Such a great top story, beautiful writing.
Hey, congrats on you top story.
This is fantastic- like the best of poems, beautiful in both wordsmithing and the underlying theme. I hope to forge some links of steel, but boy is it difficult. Thank you for sharing this wonderful piece, and congrats on a well-deserved Top Story!
This was such a beautiful poem. I loved the images you created. So glad I stumbled across your work! Congrats on the Top Story!
This is beautiful. Congrats on the TS.
Wonderful
Great analogy, Josey for finding the people that matter, beautifully expressed.