If I were a lunatic

if I were a lunatic
the world would be orange
or purple
or inside out

down would be left
and squares would smell like tangerines

if I were Alice, I would smash the looking glass
and hide my meds under my tongue
until lights out

but I am not a lunatic
and the world is not orange
or purple
or inside out

and squares have never smelled like tangerines

Reviews

[UN]

Interesting, a little poem that builds absurdities and then completely reverses them all by the end. An interesting read, and almost a little hopeless about our ability to change things. You seem to be a big Alice fan, have you read the original Lewis Carroll? He's one of my biggest influences!

[Re-Pete]

i like this. in a world that oftentimes makes no sense, sanity can be a grey area. was Van Gogh crazy, a genius or both? this is refreshingly honest and creative. nice work ...

[Chase]

I chose well in my first read of yours.. This is such a wonderful piece. Its as if shel silverstein sat down with Alice and the Cheshire cat to concoct this potion of words. I also appreciate the point of view- a creative take on a creative mindset. People often shy away from poems that illicit mental "illness" (quotations because they are not truly illnesses). Well done.

[Elizabeth]

I appreciate the feedback. This old piece is one of my personal favorites. And She’ll and I go way back ❤️

[Elizabeth]

*Shel - damn autocorrect.

[Chase]

I knew what you meant! Haha

[ROXANE DORSEY]

things would be different. but its the way it is intended to be. thanks for the lovely poetry,.

[DRAGO]

not all(or any) mentaly ill, for lack of a better word, people see stuff like that.

[Elizabeth]

But I am. And I do.

[DRAGO]

but I am not a lunatic
and the world is not orange
or purple
or inside out
read morebut I am not a lunatic
and the world is not orange
or purple
or inside out

and squares have never smelled like tangerines

so this is not acurate?

[DRAGO]

if not, my apologys.

[DRAGO]

but you shouldn't say lunatic, its demeaning

[Elizabeth]

This is my art. And I will describe myself or deny the labels that have been placed upon me as I see fit. Telling a writer that they shouldn't use a word because it's demeaning or provocative is censorship. This piece is about coming to terms with my own mental illness. I will say what I damn well please in my own work. And..."apologies". If you are to offer criticism on a writing site, perhaps you'd better make sure your grammar is on point.

[DRAGO]

I'm not trying to offend you. Im not saying you shouldn't use that word. I just believe people deserve more than the title lunitic. If that's what you want to call yourself fine, but I think everyone is more than just that.

[Elizabeth]

"You shouldn't say lunatic."

I beg to differ.

If you want to offer actual criticism of work, great. I am not offended. I'm bored. Again, my work... my rules. You are welcome to be sensitive elsewhere.

[DRAGO]

alright, good, no more arguing

[Insight "MH"]

What a feisty rebel. Nice read, thank you for sharing.

[Elizabeth]

Ha! The rebel in me will never die. Thanks for your review :)

[Gee]

Like this,lunacy should be made compulsory on Sunday's.Would perhaps visit the church then

[Elizabeth]

Thanks for the review :)

[Coyote Poetry]

Good to be a lunatic. The world is a better place.
I like you description and wants. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[TrishArias]

You should seriously write a book containing all your Wonderland work!!!

[Elizabeth]

Thats an interesting idea. Thank you for the compliment ;)

[AllyKat]

Love this one. Although I have to confess Ive felt more like the mad hatter recently...