Foothold

For all young people struggling with mental health problems.

His adolescent journey

strewn with rocks

ensured more steps 

backwards than forwards.

For added measure

an occasional rogue boulder

when least expected

hindered his progress.

Today he moves onward

with more agility,

into his twenties,

confidence heightened.

Assured the pathway before him

is feasible, though

prepared for the unseen

lurking behind corners.

Reviews

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

Wonderful that they get up and go on so many give up and are lost- my heart bleeds for them wish i could make all wrongs right- life is not easy but there is a way if they can just dig deep inside knowing they not alone- and whenwe believe - hurdles are flattened-youngsters need to be understood more , need a listening ear then hopefully they will not look elsesgere got love and attention- which leads to many mental issues- wonderful words🌹

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kelly for your understanding words. Progress might be slow but when it comes it is sweet indeed.

Chris

[‘Thoughts In Time’🌹]

🌹🌹🌹🌹🍾🥂🌈

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you :))

[Neville]

I am reasonably confident that you, probably more than most here in the Café have a pretty good idea of just how important I personally consider this particular poem and the significance of the message it contains actually is .. so as far as anyone else that might follow me here is concerned .. I would seriously suggest this is one of those, that was simply crying out to be writ ..

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville. I do know the significance of the message in the poem for you. Any progress at all towards improvement in mental health conditions must be as pleasing to professionals working in this area as they are to the sufferer and the ones that love them most. The he here still has his hiccups but coping strategies help very much :)

Chris

[Neville]

yes absolutely, spot on but always good to hear Chris ..

Neville

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I spent my career working in mental health. I have personal experience of a young man with similar struggles and this describes that sad situation so well Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. It is hard watching them struggle. I am so proud of how far he has come.

read moreThank you John. It is hard watching them struggle. I am so proud of how far he has come.

Chris

[Flowers of Eternity]

I really love this! Many will be able to relate to this amazing poem. In life there will always be ups and downs but even if the future is uncertain, we just have to be prepared for it! I enjoyed this very much Chris! Thanks for sharing.

[Chris Shaw]

I am so sorry Flowers of Eternity for this late response to your lovely review. I always appreciate your thoughts and visits. Hope all is good with you.

Chris

[Flowers of Eternity]

It's alright Chris, thank you for your concern!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you.

[Lyn Anderson]

Difficult to convince them sometimes that it will get better... pardon my binge read/review, your work just spoke to my particular place today

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Lyn and feel free to binge whenever you wish. Not easy for youngsters with these problems.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

I worked in the mental health field for 27 years, so my guess, based on the age of the young man, is that he has some form of schizophrenia. The occasional rouge boulder would, I imagine, refer to relapse episodes. As there is no cure as yet for these brain diseases, the lot of the mentally ill can be a harsh one. With adherence to medication, education and support, however, he could live a fairly normal life. Best of luck to him.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your response. The rogue boulders refer more to episodes of emotional disregulation which have plagued him. Thankfully access to mental health services over the years and strategies for coping have been helpful for him and us as his carers. Many children suffer from mental health problems and aren't so fortunate in getting access to services.which they need. All good wishes.

Chris

[duck]

with age and experience we all grow and into a better journey through life it will lead. loved the hardship explained in your poetry such as boulders etc etc.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes, it was a rocky and hard road. Thank you for your response. It takes some longer than others to achieve their potential

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Your words. Describe the view of people struggling. Many people struggle and they find great success. Rock and mountain being conquered by strong people. Thank you Chris for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote for your understanding. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

I liked the poem and you are welcome Chris.

[bigfootprint]

Very insightful, Chris. I like your careful metaphors, each one holding a lesson in itself.This is a popular theme among parents who are poets. While most of us try hard to help smooth the transition into adulthood, there are lots of mountains and chasms that youngsters must negotiate negotiate -- just as we did, insisting they make their own mistakes. No doubt you too have heard yours say, "You told me so." Excellent work.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Doug, thank you so much for responding to these lines, indeed written from the perspective of being a parent. So pleased you appreciated the metaphors. I do hope you are keeping well my friend and I am sending you belated good wishes for this new year, hoping it will be happy ad healthy for you.

Chris

[bigfootprint]

I have written several dedications to my own young kin. Sometimes I write for a particular child and superimpose it over art. I often present it framed nicely for their wall. Thank you Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

That sounds a lovely thing to do Doug. Take care.

Chris