Untitled 31

Some of the hardest battles we fight
Are those bottled within us tight
Some days the clouds seem darker
On others the sun shines a little brighter

Still we move against the voices in our head
That tell us we are better off dead
Against the overwhelming feelings of anxiety
That tries to stifle our productivity

We fight to remain still as our mood constantly swings
We resist the urge to cut for relief from a pain that badly stings
We stare at the condescending faces and voices of judgment
Try to block out from our minds images and voices that torment

We labor with our little strength to build around us walls.
From those who claim to know and want to be our all
Who take advantage of our trust and our vulnerabilities
Exposing us as tools to hide their insecurities

We watch as they insensitively showcase our lives and stories.
And in the knowledge of our pain and struggles they glory.
Disheartening as this may seem
It strengthens our resolve to fight these battles and win

For like the phoenix from the ashes of our pain we rise
Even if rising is just another day ALIVE with muffled screams and cries
Admitting that though now we might not be doing OK
We stay hoping for better and brighter days

Fighting to create safe spaces to tell our stories devoid of shame
Away from those who try to use them to achieve some form of fame
Staring proudly at ourselves in the mirror
For despite our mental challenges,we remain powerful survivors

Reviews

[Helen]

Fighting to create safe spaces to tell our stories devoid of shame
Away from those who try to use them to achieve some form of fame
Staring proudly at ourselves in the mirror
For despite our mental challenges,we remain powerful survivors

I have mental challenges, but I am a survivor! I love how powerfully your poem describes this and how it ends so triumphantly. I am glad to be me, but life's experiences - or my genetics - mean that I am prone to depression and anxiety. They are part of me - (I see the fear lines on my forehead when I stare proudly at myself in the mirror, as you describe) but they are not all of me.

Writing has helped me to fight the internal battles - and there are many more sunny days now than there used to be.

Thank you for a powerful poem on this topic.

[DarkPoet]

Hi Helen,I'm humbled and delighted that this poem helps,and I thank you for taking time to read the poem.

I struggle with mental health issues myself,my faith in God and writing has helped me thus far and some days are dark others are Sunny but we will keep pushing through because we are survivors.

I love your unbreakable spirit and the fact that you are not defined by your struggles.

Your review is one reason I will keep on writing,thank you Helen.

[Helen]

It is also my faith that has sustained me through the dark times. I look forward to reading more of your work SoulSeyiShines : )