Bedlam
brainsick,
Your
mighty heart
Allowed
no concession
Of
sympathy
For
your mighty heart
Stocked
up the process
But
cleared our conscience
Your
requests
Never
capitalised
By
full or proud intent
Your
stories
Sick,
sad, and true
Your
bovine lines
Scared
many a witch
From
her sorcery
Your
gentleness
Left
many a nurse patient
While you finished your
cigarette
I particularly like the contrast of the last two stanza and to be left with a the image of a slow puff.
ReplyDeleteFor me, the juxtaposition of "nurse" and "cigarette" is quite startling--and quite effective!
ReplyDeleteElusive Music
I love this poem, great rhythm and energy. as someone that writes poems from the perspective of the mentally ill, being one of that clan myself, feel more fingerprints of this subject beyond bedlam and witches
ReplyDeleteSounds honest and straightforward with respect to both the likeable and less likeable faces of her. I agree with my predecessor about rythm and energy, and the third stanza made me smile. Please allow me to ask if you are working as a psychiatric nurse?
ReplyDeleteYou have a brilliant way of taking the most difficult theme, one usually weighted with cliches, and spin a new light over it. Onya Matt.
ReplyDeletecrisp concise and very well phrased. the last stanza is a kicker!
ReplyDelete