I, tattered and torn
pain internal reborn
every day, every way
nothing they often say
lasts forever, but no
nothing, ever goes away
self inflicted, it is
soul constricted, it is
master of demise, I am
architect of pain, I am
my own crooked hands
by my deception, inception
I, could drown sorrows
but, still it burns
I, could soothe woes
but, still it burns
every day, every way
acceptance and ownership
help, but sting, singe
maim my confidence
no one escapes life
at its end
unblemished, untouched
by pain inflicted
on self and others
I, forever
tattered and torn
#
Thanks for reading!
Author's Notes: The title and some of the poem were inspired by the Slipknot song Tattered and Torn. Or at least a jump-off for it. This was originally published on Medium through the publication, Scuzzbucket on April, 12th, 2025. Below is the original link, plus the link to the Slipknot song.
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Paul Stewart
Award-Winning Writer, Poet, Scottish-Italian, Subversive.
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Comments (14)
slipknot is excellent inspiration for such visceral poetry! Excellently done Paul!
The self-reflective and almost self-punishing nature of this one hit me right in the heart. Such a striking depiction of pain, of the human experience, and with sitting with it all, broken.
I wish the "amen" to this were not so. Oh, how I wish 'twere not so.
so good, Paul <3 love this <3
The progression from sting to singe to maim was quite a striking one! Very well wrought, Paul!
Architect of pain - gosh. You are so talented at this style of poetry. Gives me Radiohead vibes.
I especially loved the melancholia vibes of this poem! Well done Sir Paul 🍩🥐
Great theme and wordplay Paul. I’ll have to find you on Medium. Didn’t know you were back there. I’m still paying for it like an idiot and not really using it for months. Read one of your wife’s different style of piece there a couple of months ago. ☺️ Have great day.
This is really powerful, Paul! The repeated refrain, still it burns, sweeps the reader along to the poems stirring and alliterative conclusion: I, forever tattered and torn.
I feel this one so deeply... I just had to sit here, in silence, absorbing the feeling of it... So well captured, Paul!!
I feel this-introspective at its finest
An introspective one there, Paul, that hits the right notes.
Well-wrought! My favorite Slipknot song is "Snuff", but they've got a lot of good ones!
This sits right in the feels. Great poem