To the Double Crossed Souls

I know today’s going to be real tough

But read the room and feel the love.

In other words we’ve got your back.

In other words we’ll take the flak.

In other words we’ll see you through.

In other words our friendship’s true.

In other words rage is ok .

In other words we’ll even pray.

In other words, you’re not alone.

In other words our love’s your home.

The Expert 

When we seek a diagnosis

Are we hoping for prognosis

In the handing to an ‘expert’ our ‘true’ fate?

I can’t help be suspicious,

Although the thought’s delicious

That a simple label helps improve my state.

The problem with this theory

Is it leaves me not to query

The God like status that is given by default.

With their degrees and expertise

I should really feel at ease

That they’ll combat my ‘dis-ease’

And make it halt.

And yet the one that really knows me,

Who really seems to have the PhD

In the mystery of me,

Is me.

No One Wants To Talk About The Thing 

No one wants to talk about ‘the thing’.

So instead there’s just knowing looks

Whilst turning the other way, shrugging shoulders in dismay.

For no one wants to talk about the thing.

For the gravity of the depravity

Creates a social insanity

Where what goes on in front of open eyes

Is explained away with audacious lies

‘Cos no one wants to talk about the thing.

For such a thing would necessitate a reckoning:

An awkward self examination  of how such humiliating degradation

Could fester. Under our very noses.

‘Cos no one ever actually supposes

That that thing could happen

Here.

Amongst our very own.

For that is how ‘the thing’ is grown.

For each time a blind eye is turned

A shameful silence is being learned.

‘Smile please at the camera!’

Let the pretence  belie the tense

Atmosphere that suffocates the truth.

Why does no one say anything?!

Because no wants wants to talk about ‘the thing’.

And you’ll be accused of being a trouble maker,

Rather than what you are - a cycle breaker

If you speak up, you’ll be deterred,

Told such a thought is just absurd!

You sure as hell won’t be heard

‘Cos no on wants to talk about ‘the thing’.

Labels 

I am more than just a label that you try to pin on me.

My behaviour will betray me, if that is all you see.

You can try to reduce my being - call out addiction or OCD.

Dehumanise, pathologise, compartmentalising me.

I’m not a ‘wash at 30’ or ‘fat content 3%’.

No, labels are for objects - not breathing sentients.

I’m a human, whose emotional life’s gone slightly out of whack.

Help me see my strengths and virtues so I can find my own way back,

To the me I know that’s in there when I peel away the pain.

I’m due my humanness - like you.

Underneath we’re all the same.

Addiction Robs 

Addiction robs, such a cunning thief.

As it steals, it plants distorted beliefs.

‘Just having a good time doesn’t cost a thing!’

But lets look closer at what it can bring.

Sleepless nights as parents fight.

Reassuring young siblings it’ll be alright.

Family events with the threat of conflict.

No one ever mentioning the word ‘addict’.

Confusion.

Collusion.

Delusion.

All there,

But don’t say a word, no don’t you dare!

Lips tight shut, sealed by a glare.

Listening out for the key in the door

To figure out, ‘How many drinks did he pour?’

Treading on eggshells to avoid attack.

Always one step forward and three steps back.

Explaining the broken plates as ‘just clumsy’.

Don’t let anyone outside the family see.

‘Don’t disturb them, they’re sleeping’, is the weekend mantra,

As they're asleep again on the sofa.

Hide and seek replaced with finding a stash.

No weekend sweets ‘cos there’s no spare cash.

Moods, tempers, all hard to predict.

No one ever mentioning the word addict.

Guilt runs through like electricity.

‘Maybe they do that  because of me

I need to be quieter, better, mop up

Maybe then that’ll help him stop.’

Confusion.

Collusion.

Delusion.

All there.

But don’t say a word, no don’t you dare.

Lips tight shut, sealed by a glare.

Addiction robs, such a cunning thief.

As it steals, it plants distorted beliefs.

Just having a good time doesn’t cost a thing.

Until you look closer at what it can bring.