Written in 2008, Journeyed in 1989-2006

The bipolar disorder
finally diagnosed
is soused with all 3 prescriptions
succumbing to one of them
though no one can agree on
which pill - blue, pink, or white -
has done its magic.

Symptoms subside
to be followed swiftly
by anxiety disorder
treated, set aside, making way
for panic disorder
which is a bit more troublesome
but nothing the pharmas can't handle.

Thank God there's been
no obsessive compulsive disorder
or everyone has been too kind
to mention it to me.
The screaming and silences alternate
in the windowless room.
I just want to wake up.

She's catatonic.
Perhaps it's adult onset autism.
Perhaps it's early onset dementia.

Though I may not know the answers
I can finally say that I am free
and if the questions led me here
then I am who I was born to be.

From 2012

The loss of Loss

As each breath goes in and back
it's pace constant, not permanent.
so too is the pendulum
as it swings from end to end.
there is no light without the dark
up without the down, in without the out;
gain is loss, death is life
letting go of the holding on
brings blessed peace, making me strong.