Psychosis

The reality of madness!

Psychosis

Of course,

you don't know you're mad!

Your anosognosia

leaves you unable

to see the truth.

To separate the wood

from the trees.

It means you do not

see the world

as others see it.

You clasp at delusions

borne from your struggle

with your own

sorry soul.

You believe the voices

that claw at your eyes

from inside your

all too troubled heart.

That scream obscenities

at you as you pass

people in the streets.

Your prefrontal and parietal

brain are compromised

and you just

cannot see it.

 

07/07/15

Author's Note

Reviews

[Walker Andreasen]

"You believe the voices
that claw at your eyes"
What striking symbolism. We're told to see things a certain way, either by society or my our mind. I find this poem can easily be interpreted as the reader wishes. You capture the asunder between reality and the mind so poignantly. I really enjoyed this. Thank you for your writing.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Walker

[Beccy]

John. It's easy to understand and mend a broken leg, not so a broken mind. I have a dear friend who suffers from schizophrenia, (though so thankfully, only on a very mild level.) She was diagnosed with ADHT and aspergers when she was younger, but has had tremendous family support all her life. Sometimes I have to walk on eggshells around her, but I love her dearly and it's worth it.

I admire your dedication to what is an incredibly difficult profession. Beccy

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Beccy. The mental health system is not a good one. I have fought to improve it at local, regional and national level but I have to say no one is listening. My book on some of my attempts comes out soon on Amazon.

[~]

Wow.. These words truly give a clear definition that leaves me with goosebumps.
The price of inanity..

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed MS. Unfortunately community care means individuals, families and communities pay the price. Thank you.

[~]

True. There are things we forget that strong connection. (And I meant insanity - but you knew it:)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

sometimes that delusional world is more fun than the real one...but sooner or later the delusions catch up with us...

powerful piece....

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I have observed much insanity over the years Jacob and you are right that for some their delusional beliefs are their life raft. For they hold less buoyancy. Many thanks.

[....................]

great description of psychosis, John... love the photo and the video with the ink blots...

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you FT. Have worked with it since 1974.

[Willard Wells]

Sounds a bit like someone with Tourettes. My view of life has always been that I may be crazy, but the only reason they don't lock me up is I don't mind the voices. hahaha. It's not that easy for many as they are in a very painful dark place with no light. Very nice writing and accurate on life of those in a shadow world.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thanks Willard tis a world I have prowled on both sides for over 40 years.

[Willard Wells]

I think many of us on here hang on the blade edge.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Tis also what makes us sensitive writers Willard. Creative and crazy both start with a cee!

[Willard Wells]

Ain't that the truth.