The Madness

painting is "The Furniture of Time" by Yves Tanguy

The Madness

Suddenly ceasing .... the

encompassing  -  surrounding "All"

 

                      

organizing relinquishes its gears so

edges draw a sharp crisp over-clear 

the focus 

there is something fearful behind it.

seen it on the edges

silly stimmung teases a cocophony

of strings and brass blaring out random keys

alluring temptation .... the darkness.

there will be  pieces 

inexorable stare pulls weight like 

an anchor........ magnifier light

crystaline candles' light

whole everything gone

as love from the forlorn

as life from the burnt planet yet

each minute thing ... is of itself

is of its own pulsing glare

inexoribly drawing the

Stare and madness like

rivers that stop clinging to the banks

E. 07/08/2018

Author's Note

I am reading the book "Madness and Modernism" by Louis A. Sass ..this poem is inspired by that reading ... the "stimmung" is a German word for mood or atmosphere .. the author divides it into these parts to describe what schizophrenic people experience: Unreality, Mere Being, Fragmentation and Apophany ... its an approach to understanding psychotic breaks as something "normal" which others may experience if certain feelings and mental states are intensified ... the author also refers to the "Stare" of schizophrenic patients ... a blank and unnerving stare ...hope you enjoy this rather different ride ;)
E.

Reviews

[LKBillips]

Wow. That sounds like a very interesting read. Your piece does feel fragmented. One thought leading to another then to blankness. Like being lost in a blackhole and seeing glimpses of normality through the haze of clouds. Really cool ideas. Thanks for sharing.

[Einstein Noodle]

and thanks for reviewing LK ... mental illness touches so many people and always any supportive families .. and it carries such negative stigma ... the book is one of my sons and is basically way beyond my intellectual capacities..but i get the gist of stuff like that and reading is a good challenge for me ;) i am completely satisfied with this poem because of your impressions ... thank you so much for taking time
E.

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

This fascinates me and I can find so many meanings within your words and this image. None of them I may remember when you reply back to me. so, I will read again. I read and go to this other place as I reply. I often refer back to my comments on pieces and think....hmmm, wonder who wrote that, It's Fabulous>LOL but its where the blanket stare comes from....far in the recesses of our minds. It's often safe there; expressive, controlled, and soothing. We are smart and confident and loved there. We can be strong and vocal without making a sound or batting an eyelash. They say its a dark side but I might beg to differ a bit. I could find so much more to say ...but fear I might be babbling a bit so I'll stop and tell you that I'll be back to read this anew many more times...I may even comment, or not. It provokes a view for me though that comes back to your great skill as a writer and a thinker! BRAVO!

[Einstein Noodle]

i love to see you have stopped by ;) yes!! that "dark place" is not so abnormal to be "assigned" only to those considered "sick" in one way or another ..there is a link we share together .. much creativity and even genius can be born there .. i love you comment ... i sometimes do the same thing ... to see if i have any other impressions from reading something ... i am truly humbled by your encouraging review Queenie ... God bless ... so you around eh!? :))

[Neville]

When all around there is but chaos, look to madness and find calm.... a subject very dear to me having spent my entire working life within the field of mental health..... what an exceptionally compelling and thought provoking poem you have crafted here my Friend......Neville

[Einstein Noodle]

no kidding ... the colors of people here at the cafe never cease to amaze and inspire me .. God bless you sir ... in you work ... our fathers mothers brothers sisters etc. without fail .. touch our lives in struggles with mental illness ... super glad you shared that Neville! and thank you for reviewing this .. i wasn't sure if it would have much interest ... so glad you stopped by to read
E.

[Neville]

Absolutely, ....I am so very glad I paused to consider these words too...I hope they get the attention they are so deserving of my friend........ All Good Things, Neville

[Einstein Noodle]

Amen my friend!

[Neville]

Yes indeed.........