War of Mind

My dad suffers from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, two serious mental illnesses. This poem is based on my observations of his behaviors.

War of Mind

 

You're a modern-day Jeckyl and Hyde.

The two faces you wear

Mask the demons that dwell inside.

 

Pleasant some days, enjoying those dopamine highs.

Devil incarnate by twilight,

Following a path of destruction and lies.

 

The psychological rhythms you allow your mind to follow --

They're a cyclic and oscillating;  exciting and intoxicating.

When your masks rip off, in self-pity you wallow.

 

Wasting away days and nights in your bed.

Hearing haunting voices, whispers to screams,

Because you refuse to take your meds. 

 

You can't look at yourself in the mirror--

You're too afraid of the reflection.

An image of a faceless man, cowering in fear.

 

You march alone, a rebel out of line.

You're a solitary army

Fighting a war of mind.

Author's Note

Feel free to comment, review, tell me what you like/dislike, or just drop some pleasantries.

Reviews

[Alone In A Crowd]

I love how you tell a deep story of self battle; and also I love the your use of rythme, it's a nise way to tie everything together.

[D.E. Ball]

I think of mental illnesses as a never-ending battle against oneself. My dad has been fighting for years, but the severity of his symptoms makes his battle a losing one. He knows it, deep down, but some part of him refuses to take the medications that will help him overcome his struggles.

Thanks for the feedback!

[Irene]

love love love the last stanza :) it ties the poem so nicely

[D.E. Ball]

Thanks for your comment, Irene! :D From years of observing my dad, I know that having a mental illness is like fighting a solitary war against oneself. It's saddening to watch a loved one isolate theirself, and act in ways that are unacceptable by society. That's the point of the last stanza and the poem's title.

[Irene]

I am sorry for your pain in watching your dad suffer but your poem is tragically beautiful.