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What keeps you awake at night?
Share those dark pieces you've been too scared to post. I won't judge. (Any genre)
Profile avatar image for TiffanieElyse
TiffanieElyse

Save My Soul

They told me when I was young

'Baby girl, when you die

God will judge you for everything you’ve done

Listen up now, no one can be perfect

But if you want to go to heaven you have to try’

'Cover your figure

Don’t scar ink over your skin

Your body is his temple

Don’t muddy it with sin’

'Marry a God fearing man

Be tender, be sweet, be mild

Honey, it’s your righteous duty

To bear him a child’

'Don’t covet thy neighbor’s wife

Or any woman at all

Don’t day dream about her smile

Or her strong body, warm and tall’

'Keep your legs closed, girl

This one you should know

Sex is only between husband and wife

Stay pure as the driven snow’

'Honor thy father and mother

Always do as they say

Faith is blind, child

Expect only answering silence when you kneel to pray’

'Turn the other cheek

Your bishop knows best

Forgive all trespasses against you

Even the atrocity of incest’

'Count your many blessings

Name them one by one

Then put your tenth in the bowl

And hope that for your dinner you’ll find the funds’

'Read your scriptures every night

Don’t lie or gamble or steal

Wrap your individuality up in muted cloth

Fake your smile until it’s real’

'Last thing, but listen close

This is the most important one

Repent for your sins and never repeat them

The way out of hell is his only begotten son’

I cried myself to sleep at night

Afraid my sins had turned me black as coal

I hid my face in my pillow tight

So I couldn’t see the shadows of branches on my bed

Like demon fingers creeping up to snatch my soul

I don’t cry for my salvation now

Because I know it’s too late

I’m too far gone and I don’t know how

To cleanse my hard, filthy heart

Of all the taint

When you touch me

Does it dirty your skin?

When you look, can you see?

Does it shimmer on my flesh like a brand?

Am I good at hiding the darkness within?

It’s not fair to ask

There is only one way for this to go

I need to peel off the mask

Kneel at my feet, bow your head

Will you pray for my soul?

Baby, will you save my soul?

Can I save my soul?

#poetry #religious #guilt #personal