Compulsions
An Inverse poem on OCD
This endless cycle.
Pen click 56 times.
Did I get it right this time?
Someone could be hurt if I get it wrong.
That’s what these thoughts tell me.
I have to do it just this way.
You’ll never understand….
I can’t just resist my mind won’t let me.
I’m locked in place until I feel it’s just right.
Until my mind tells me I may gave a moments peace.
I battle with urges and images.
Flooding my brain like a tidal wave.
There are things I cannot say because it’s hard enough to think them.
OCD has me in a vice grip.
I’m smaller and smaller with each new compulsion.
I might shrink away completely someday.
Now read the poem back, final line to the start. OCD seems like a circle, a never ending loop of intrusive thoughts and compulsions. There is hope though, I’m seeing it for myself finally.
About the Creator
Josey Pickering
Autistic, non-binary, queer horror nerd with a lot to say.
Enjoyed the story? Support the Creator.
Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also pledge your support or give them a one-off tip, letting them know you appreciate their work.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Keep reading
More stories from Josey Pickering and writers in Poets and other communities.
Comments (7)
Congrats on Top Story!!
I feel your words so deeply. Feels good to relate.
Great job with this poem! It is so relatable and true. Congrats on the Top Story!
This is so powerful, exact, and true. Thank you so much for sharing this, Josey. 💗
Beautiful execution of the style! Thank you for this peek inside.
relatable in every way
Excellent work and inverse Josey. Mine manifests differently.. can’t ever get it right though so I understand completely. This was very relatable..particularly this line “There are things I cannot say because it’s hard enough to think them.” ☺️👏 I’m sorry if this is your experience.