The war on mental illness
There is an epidemic on our streets
in our families homes.
Where love is lost and fear does roam
whether covered up or left alone.
Mental illness hits hard, like words, like stones
see well being is feeling hopeful, feeling loved
not pushed aside, not pressured, not shoved
into roles we cannot handle
in Jobs and pressure which does strangle
our sense of self
our mental health.
See we’ve either been in or seen
the struggle of human beings
to exist in places or ways being damaged or harassed by others
or circumstances beyond our control
which would hurt or wound a human soul.
See in childhood we should find
acceptance love kindness and ourselves
but in violence and violent ways
the human heart may stray
whether verbal or fist
it is always better to be kissed
and compassion exists
for us all to find our way
in the light of day.
Violence is unacceptable
and intolerance creates hate in ourselves
as well as in others
for they are not seen as our sisters and brothers
paranoia strangles our faith in one and another
until there is only despair,
the mind is cold it is unwillingly
to look beyond and thinks we are all fallen and bad
evil and mad.
To understand people is to understand and have compassion
for we may miss the target but it’s no sin
for we are the saviours of people we love our kin
even if sometimes our acts fall short
even if we try our damnedest
the grandest efforts for love
will never be underhanded
and mental illness breeds in times of fear and hate
wretched despair and segregation
don’t let fight or flight instinct rule our nation
or the world
every boy and girl
born to this world deserves love acceptance and hope
In these times
where is seems to have eloped.
By Daniel Hooks
AKA Alienpoet on Facebook
