Bleeding Comments

Whoever uploaded Swenson's poem took out the formatting that puts the dialogue between the cut and the knife opposite each other in a way that makes a jagged crack down the middle of the poem. I recommend that readers go to the Academy of American Poets website to see a truer version of the original.

John Richter is right (as usual) . This fantastic poem is all about an abusive relationship and the irrational thinking that goes along with it. I am adding this poem to my favorites list.

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that this beautiful poet captured the raw and disturbing essence of an abusive relationship in this exceptional poem.... Jesus she is wonderful.... Being added to my favorite poets list..

Knife, cut and bleeding are used very much in making this poem!

.........well written....but this poem doesn't suit my taste...

I love the conversation that the knife and the cut are having; The cut is ashamed of what it is . At this point, i feel that the cut is the writer, or the actual person who is cut. I think that this person might even be someone who is a cutter because of the line, I feel I have to bleed to feel I think said the cut The cutter is a broken person who admires the knife, a strong figure (most likely a male) . So this is probably a metaphor for a relationship May Swenson had at one point. It may be just me but i also get just a tad of sexual tone in one or two lines which add to the feel.