Reminder - By: E.F

The sun burns my skin—

reminding me that I am still alive.

Even if I don’t want to be.

The silence presses against my chest,

each breath a stubborn proof—

that I remain in this world,

though I never asked to stay.

Old scars whisper their stories,

Each of them reminders on my skin—

telling me I have survived,

but not why I should continue.

In my restless dreams,

I see my past.

Each vision reminding me that staying

will only cause me more pain.

Every day reminds me–

no matter where I go,

pain waits the same.

I just want someone to hold me,

Tell me that they care,

Tell me that they’ll always be there for me–

Even if it’s all just an illusion.

If I’m not breathing,

I want you to hold me–

Even if my body can't feel it–

My spirit will.

So please,

Let me rot in your arms.

Please give a detailed explanation about the meaning and main idea of this poem.

"Reminder" is about surviving even when you don’t want to. It shows how pain sticks around—through silence, scars, dreams—and how even when you’re tired of breathing, you still want someone to hold you. It’s brutal, but honest.

Please explain your writing and thought process regarding this poem.

I wrote it in pieces, starting with the last line. I didn’t care about rhyme—just wanted it to feel real. I used short, brutal lines and heavy images to show how survival feels more like a burden than a gift.

Why did you choose to write this poem?

I needed to let the pain out. Writing helps me say what I can’t speak. I wanted this poem to stick in people’s minds, even if it’s dark.

Do you have any tips or anything to share with the youth writers who may be reading this?

Write what hurts. Don’t worry about being perfect—just be honest. Your voice matters. ♡