Red

By Zoé Daoust

Numbness, 

The urge to cry, not knowing why, 

The colours fade, 

Again and again, red spills from my blade. 

Lines, 

I say I’m fine, 

Drawing the ivory curtains,

Scarlett spills bright each time. 

Walls Press, 

Crushing me from all sides, 

I scream for help but no one listens, 

The red on the floor still glistens.

Loneliness, 

My vision blurry, 

Why would I choose to stay, 

When the world is in such a hurry. 

Worthless, 

The voice in my head, an endless refrain, 

My heart feels like a dying sun,

I used to find this fun. 

Thoughtless, 

“Just once,” immediate regret,

Rivers roll down, as silver glides, 

Isn't it over yet? 

Endless, 

A way to end the pain infests my brain, 

Red waterfalls run, 

Sparkling in the sun. 

Red, 

It spills on the floor, 

I watch the setting sun, 

Desperately hoping no one comes to the door. 

Lifeless, 

I give up the fight, 

My soul forsake, 

Death cackling in my face, Life weeping in my wake. 

Alternate Ending Below

But then,

Friendship, 

The old cliche gave me a fright, 

But there you were, 

Standing in the dying light. 

Hands, 

Pulling me away, 

Out of red rivers, 

Stopping my shivers. 

Desperate, 

Pointing to green grass, blue skies, 

Holding tight, not saying goodbye,

Opening my eyes. 

Blinding white, 

Itchy sheets, 

Constant watch, 

Not yet back out in the streets. 

Carnations, 

You said they were red, 

As the rivers I’d spilt, 

Sweet, and soft as silk. 

Life, 

A gift I’d almost dropped. 

Before you caught it, and me. 

I’m glad I was stopped. 

Together, 

We run and laugh, feeling, 

Not quite whole, 

But healing. 

Theme Statement:

Even a single friendship can help someone get through hard times, shining a light on the good still left in the world, and helping them push through and cope with their pain. 

By Zoé Daoust