Trigger Warning: This poem may trigger people with depression and mental illness. If this is you, please read with caution.
Black Dog
You see a small world of problems
My universe of distress
All of my insecurities
Never want to take a rest
You asked for this they tell you
Your decisions weren’t the best
So now I have to sit here
Alone in this great mess
Waking up I shiver
Waking up I scream
Can anybody hear me
Get me out of this bad dream!
I open up one eyelid
The other tries to follow
But nothing’s changed around me
My existence is still hollow
So back to sleep I go
Hoping for a new day
And If I smile differently
They may treat me a different way
But the feeling is still empty
Nothing changed again
This dog that constantly barks at me
More than now and then
Then I realise
That it’s simply up to me
To make sure this dark beast
Doesn’t drown me in a sea
Nothing will get better
Until I can finally say
I see you black dog
And you’re never going away
Instead of not seeing you
I see your fur is dark
But now that I am walking you
You find it hard to bark
You’ll always be a part of me
I will not be ashamed
But remember that I own you
And I’m better if you’re tamed.
Note: If you are in Australia and having thoughts of suicide or are struggling with mental health, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For my American readers, please call 1-800-273-8255.
#depression #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthmatters #blackdog #anxietyanddepression #courage #fightthefear #endthestigma #anxiety
Phoenix 