This poem is about the fear that looms over families with a genetic disposition for schizophrenia. As this mental health issue becomes more prominent in our society I believe it is important to remember the families of those who suffer. Thank you for reading.
Split Mind
A poem about the fear of schizophrenia
Before it comes.
Would you want to know?
A vision shared.
Do you want to see?
An idea armed.
Self-fulfilling prophecy?
A delusion of your own power.
Every part of you in its path to devour.
A sickness inside.
Can this thought be denied?
Alive and ticking.
Hallucinations sticking.
The clock runs in between each ear.
The more that you fear, the less time you have here.
Twelve to Forty
A long time to worry.
My clock reaches zero.
Mind still intact it appears so.
My time has passed.
I have escaped its grasp.
Just as I forget the pain and worry.
The ticking starts again.
A memory.
Distant but familiar.
Holding you close the sound gets clearer.
Your tiny hand in mine my heart fills with fury.
No way to know.
How can I ensure you are safe as you grow?
What if it is something I do that ruins you?
Feels like forever.
Trapped in the fear.
The you I know might disappear.
I will never let you go.
Bryanna McHugh
November 6, 2023 — 6:02 pm
My breath left my chest and didn’t return until I finished reading. What a profound thought “what about the families?” Mental illness has shown up in my family and it is all of these things, scary, fury, relief, dread. Even with mental health awareness month and the push to be more educated on the subject; we as a society are not talking about the depths and ranges of mental health especially behind closed doors and in personal relationships. Literally breathtaking poem, that takes you on an emotional journey in less than two minutes.