|
Stunned . . .
Written by Katanga (1537 comments posted) 21st August 2008 |
. . . . by this, Veronica.
Your last two lines - isn't that why people believe in God?
The rest - my parents were deemed to be 'manic-depressive'.
At the time, some thought they were morally to blame for their condition. Lithium, ECT and so on helped, but never cured them . . .
Now science says they couldn't be helped . . .
You've put an age-old problem for me into startling perspective.
A bit personal, but thank you - a brilliant poem!
John X |
Fragile . . .
Written by Katanga (1537 comments posted) 21st August 2008 |
Sorry - I just have to add,
'a fragile construct, happiness.'
Such a casual line!
But more truth in it than 10,000 words of prose.
(Oops! That's another debate . . . )
Cheers!
Whoooooooosh!
John X |
Clinical and poetic!
Written by Brett (1001 comments posted) 21st August 2008 |
Whether this was hard to write or not, it flows effortlessly for the reader. The scientific and clinical, almost cold, first stanza really leaves the reader open for the impact of 'When death, like you, has much to give'.
This stanza contains, for me, the most powerful lines;
'the toughest option is to live/to face a joyless resurrection.'
A nice closing couplet (not sure about Tolstoy's remark about people believing in God).
As always, V, writing to be admired and content for serious mulling! A gene, deficient or not, seems to be the argument of many conditions - depression, cancer, addiction, possibly even the willingness to appear on reality TV.
Cheers (I wish your friend good luck). |
Written by grace (173 comments posted) 21st August 2008 |
A brilliant poem indeed!
I guess some people are tougher mentally than others but certainly when the chemicals of the brain are out of balance, it may well be much harder to face the day than to face death.
Foresight in this situation is indeed priceless and a friend who enforces a positive belief at a time like this, priceless also.
Terrific writing, Pamx
|
Written by Bottleblondesurfer (3590 comments posted) 21st August 2008 |
Wow I wish I had this one to quote when I was in social work, especially that last verse which is just staggering.
Sometimes when you've read a work you just stop and think and then the full power of it hits you. This one certainly stopped me in my tracks.
A great clarity of expression, and what an original approach.
jane |
Written by Josie (2847 comments posted) 21st August 2008 |
| How true your poem is Veronica. You are very lucky if you can get through life without depression and what you say: "Darkness suffuses every brain" is quite true. It is sad to say that I heard on the radio the other day that when people over 60 go to the doctor with depression, quite often the doctors don't treat it as they say it is just a part of growing old. Isn't that really dreadful? Older people have probably more reason than others to feel depressed: alzheimers, marriage partners who have died, loneliness or fear. Not to get help is awful. Your poem was so well done. |
a careful distinction
Written by fellpony (1749 comments posted) 21st August 2008 |
| drawn here between ordinary "sadness" (which many people wrongly call depression) and the vortex of blackness that depression really is. You have an extraordinary ability to make scientific observations poetic. |
Written by punchy (535 comments posted) 21st August 2008 |
oo, the cleverness of you.
this piece is stunning.
I would very much like to peek inside your head and steal some of your vocabliary. xxx |
Written by Phil (7001 comments posted) 21st August 2008 |
Loved the blend of the seemingly cold science and the depth that ran below.
I normally have an instant dislike about pieces on this subject - but this avoids the angsty, attractive glory some writers here seem to attach to such a sad act.
My favourite poem here for quite a while. Excellent.
Phil |
A sruggle!
Written by solst (34 comments posted) 21st August 2008 |
The final lines were like fresh mountain spring water splashed upon the weary face.
A tight poem without much hope of releasing the mind from it's grip, once reading it has begun. |
Written by mia_ms_kim (1057 comments posted) 21st August 2008 |
Deeply, deeply moving and persuasive because it is not sentimental or emotional. But there is an undercurrent of deep compassion beneath the precise clinical words as if the poet is watching over a friend who means a lot to her, someone who have attempted suicide before perhaps.
1st stanza gives the scientific view of depression, the genes. It's a compassionate view - the person was born with the genetic disposition. 2nd staza offers compassionate but the honest account of the battle the person faces. The 3rd offers compassionate wisdom and hope, which the person may not be able to take. (Sorry for going on about compassion.)
But overall the poet seems to be offering herself as a close friend to the suffering person, while keeping the necessary objectivity and distance for maximum effectiveness.
Deeply moving.
Mia |
Written by Robru (272 comments posted) 21st August 2008 |
Magic poem, just magic. I,like many on the net, have read so much with angst and emotions hung out on the washing line but with no impact.
As already said, this one has three parts, clinical, emotional form inside the sufferer, and hope and support.
Wonderful. |
Thanks, everyone,
Written by Veronica_Milvus (768 comments posted) 22nd August 2008 |
...for your extremely kinid reviews of this one. It's written about the same situation as my "Reluctant Samaritan" (cf for contrast of feelings) poem of a week or two ago. It is so hard to help somebody with depression when really I just want to say "pull yourself together"!. I don't have the time or the training to be a therapist but I feel burdened with her welfare as she lives and works quite near me.
So in the first stanza I keep telling myself that this is an imbalance of brain chemistry that I have never had, so I can't understand how it feels. Then in the second stanza I reflect what she is telling me about how it might be easier for her and for all her friends if she did manage to kill herself, and in the third stanza I am sort of lamenting that I'd like to do something but can't.
Saw her last night, she seems a little better, but it's a rollercoaster ride for both of us. And where are her other friends, who are happy to drive miles to one of her parties, but so notable by their absence right now? |
Veronica
Written by meadowcroft1964 (112 comments posted) 22nd August 2008 |
No other poem as effected me so being as I've experience in both situations. I bound daily from heady joy est hope to the hellish depths of despair, and you are correct in saying its due to chemical imbalances. Congratulation to me you win the G.W. crown O mighty poetess |
Written by Fledermaus (3506 comments posted) 23rd August 2008 |
Great style. I like poetry that has a plan behind it, especially if that means it rhymes and has structure. This doesn't seem like something one could write in a couple of minutes...
As for the content; The word 'resurrection' somehow stood out for me. Don't the Buddhist believe that the circumstances of one's death may influence their karma? That would mean that suicide would make a next life even worse... |
Written by Gwynedd (83 comments posted) 10th September 2008 |
| Thank you for this poem!!!! Gwyn |
Only registered users can rate and write comments.
Please login or register.
Previous item
