Catching Flies
The girl they call Tomorrow
Had already drawn fresh blood
Before I could reach her
Her yelling and her screaming
Served only to further un-nerve
The recently admitted
Whereas those who had been around forever
Continued as normal
Whatever that should mean
The compound heaved and swarmed
With moving shapes and figures
Like Walking Dead
Shoulders hunched mouths wide open catching flies
Those drug induced clenched jaws
Deny the hungry and deluded of coherent speech
Those eyes red, vacant, terrified and remote
Give no clue whatsoever to the cause
Of any individual or collective pain
Nevertheless the fact remains the girl
They call Tomorrow
Had drawn fresh blood again
…
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Author:
Neville (
Offline) - Published: June 10th, 2019 03:35
- Comment from author about the poem: Originally written while working as a volunteer at Tanka Tanka psychiatric hospital in Africa
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 38
Offline)
Comments10
Not a swoon, but a shudder. Troubled minds and hearts of humanity. You've experienced..... that's life. Not the programme That's Life, but that was as ghastly! (ooh)
yes, at times most brutal.. the last time I was there, I swore it would be my last... but the place does haunt me and I am currently planning my next visit... possibly overland with a large truck stuffed with supplies... thank you for checking in...
I'm a drama queen! What could be worse than seeing a year's programmes of 'That's Life'? I know what is - a week of watching 'Lorraine'! Drive anyone insane. lol.
1 more comment
A haunt of a read this report of what carers like yourself have to see and attend to dear Neville - - described as only experience can these lines aptly spread warnings of drug abuse - hoping Tomorrow got helped in the end.
thank you Fay... as far as I know, she is still there... I am hoping to return later this year or next...
AS my daughter went through her infant special schools we met a lot of disturbed kiddies. Very sadly most of them seemed unhappy little souls who cried often and were very noisey. This in stark contrast to my little darling who was quiet and giggly and seemed to keep herself amused (as she does to this day).
Your piece today finds me reflecting upon the lives of those disturbed kiddies now grown-ups if they survive at all.
Thankfully i have a faith which is a strength through which to contemplate such things.
and long may it continue.. cheers sir
This really disturbs - a haunting read superbly told.
Thank you kindly Michael...
Neville
For me this is quite a sentimental worded write. My Irish Grandfather was admitted into a psychiatric ward in Scotland before passing away 5 years later. He worked building electricity pylons and apparently had too many big metal bolts land on his his head during the 40 years at his job. I only ever met him twice when I was around 7 or 8 years old, yet even then I could see sadness in his forlorn face which I can still picture till this day. Good write and good for you to do such a daunting task of a job. I'll tip my hat to you and you poem.
Thank you for considering these words today Kevin, your visit is much appreciated
Neville
Indeed, Sir, you're most welcome.
Detached from our reality, their mind continuously fighting its own hellish battles -
Witnessing such pain, makes one question all
Thank you for visiting these words Suresh.. yes.. sadly the world is filled with pain..
A very poignant poem, describing some horrific scenes which, I assume, only get worse. It takes great courage to have to deal with this every day. Someday, as they make great strides in understanding the human brain, some of these conditions will be treatable in a more humane way. Thanks just for being there, and portraying it so well in your poem. -Phil A.
thank you kindly sir..
Neville
A frightening read Neville, it is such a tremendous shame that people are so ill with those sort of problems.
This self harming problem is all over the place. I used to be the Chaplain at a Sea Cadet Station and a couple of the young girls used to self hate there, I could talk to them and listen to them but I am not sure it helped as they would not admit why they did it.
thank you for your kind words GF60.. people self harm for many different reasons and in many different ways.... many are victims of various forms of abuse.... the young lady they all call Tomorrow had learning difficulties and was a victim of the system.... Neville
This a hard read as my son thinks he has problems and is told by many that he goes and they are here to help him cope.
He comes to me and I've never used these words, he may well struggle to use his analytical brain but he has never had a problem having a outstanding ability to use his body in activities with no hesitation.
Many I know say they could never skate or run and climb trees, but yet from the beginning he found it breeze.
To judge us all the same is insanity, as same thing over and over again expecting different results.
Much peace and respect
You are a legend in your own right
You are so very kind Dan but I feel more comfortable with my feet on the ground... save the pedestal for some one else my friend....
Neville
A very haunting and thought provoking write
How receptive if you dont mind me saying so....
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