I’m still sorting it out
She comes into the office, crying – sad
Within minutes, she’s smiling – glad
Discussing her past seems like a favorite pass-time
Linking it to her present, seems like the main event
Waxing and waning moods, her mind just like a maze
This could last for months, weeks or days
She has Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
But is not sure when she ‘got’ it
And when it kicks into gear, she can ‘through a fit’
She displays ‘marked’ mood swings, several times a day
I really thank God that I don’t live this way
She would tell me her whole life story
If I just sat and listened
She talks to me in the halls, on the steps, in the office
And even in the kitchen
She says she likes peace and quiet
She wants to move out on her own
I’m listening to her voice and monitoring the tone
Her expression is flat and her movement slow
She’s gazing at me as IF I know
As IF I know the pain that she’s in
There’s an old, one-inch cut on her lip—that accentuates her grin
Uh-oh,…she’s crying again…
In a list
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
-
I like the title, it's thought provoking, stepping into the poetry naturally,like part and parcel of the narrative and emulating the emotions that are part and parcel of the female character...the moodswings and innuendo of much, much sadder things that her past brings are felt...perhaps she unloaded unless she imploded ...especially effective for me was the imagery of her one inch scar on her lip...a constant reminder of another that shot from the hip...a compassionate but frank insight into feeling the weight of dealing with someone else's ptsd...illuminating her plight with light
Kudos
-
-
Hello and thank you so much for such insightful, endearing comments. The days were even longer when this lady cried...life huh? But she made it through many ordeals with grace and determination. I haven't heard from her in years but she is often on my mind and was one of my favorite people. I'm glad to get your take on this piece. You have given it a wonderful read and perspective.
AsIThink...
-
-
Awe, so sad to have this disorder. It can change so swiftly and without warning. Imagery was very well described and thought out. Nicely done.
-
-
Thank you again Lady S. - I'm glad that you got around to reading this (and the other 800 pieces...haha). What wonderful compliments you've given me here.
AsIThink...
-
-
Hold it....CLICK!
Post traumatic stress disorder is not something to laugh about but I have to admit your poem brought a smile to my face at the end with the "Uh-oh..." This is a sneak peak into this crazy world ,written with a light mood and it sure does make me feel glad I don't suffer from it. I like these snapshots of life you write...alby
-
-
No...PTSD is certainly no laughing matter (unless it's funny...lol). Seriously though, I wrote this based on real events (the name has been deleted to protect the innocent...smirking). This was a lady I worked with who unloaded on me so much, I should have invested in one of those 'off-loading' kind of trucks. However, she was very, very dear to me. I have lost touch with her over the years but miss her a lot (NOT those distressing moments though). Thank you so much for reading this; for unearthing this. Believe it or not, it is the second older piece of mine to be commented on, in as many days. Curious... but glad you liked it and could see the humor even in this situation.
AsIThink...
-
-
great...
the visual you created on the opening!...man I felt like I saw the mood swing! that's good stuff kid.
-
-
20/20 vision?...
You know, there's a saying I heard one day: "Seeing it is not like hearing about it" - So, I'm so glad about how this raised this feeling in you. Looking back on the moment, it still gets ahold of me. Those 'mood swings' were more powerful than some baseball swings...and playground swings and...well, you get the point.
-
Adding your comment:
1 - 8 of 8
