Sometimes my voice dies in my throat, buries itself beneath waves of crippling suffocation, burns itself out as cold hands tear at my laced skin. I have smiled while my eyes have cried and pleaded, my wrists numb, my lips wobbling and blue, and stars escaping this dark night that I'm trapped in. I long for a darkness that gives way to light. But I do feel the warmth of petals gathering and scattering in my cold bones, and imagine the touch and the sweetness of a kiss, and my heart rises to the surface of this sea and finds a sky painted by passing artists remaining far above our heads. I'm breathing out all the words I've kept locked under the pages of my breaking mind. And by doing so, I'm going to heal. TRIGGER WARNINGS: depression, anxiety, self harm, suicidal thoughts, OCD, panic attacks

Hi! This is my first proper crack at writing poetry. Highest rank to date 10th in #poem I was originally aiming for at least 13 different poems that could challenge you the reader, as well as channel my own views, thoughts, experiences and feelings or lack of. I have and still struggle majorly with many things in life and my own head but, writing or explaining or even just exploding sometimes really helps to share the truth and who knows it might help one of you. As time has gone on, I will continue to experience, feel and think more. Which has inevitably led me to write more. I have well and truly surpassed 13 at this point, so who knows how big this could get. With all this time it does mean that this poetry collection contains extremely varied themes of which some readers may find distressing. Hopefully more thought provoking and an interesting window into my head, heart and soul. Criticism is highly welcomed, I hope you all enjoy! All rights and poems are written and are owned by me any infringement of copyright upon my will work will result in a copyright strike or further legal action.