Depression

(Mindfulness.... acknowledge my depression as a constant companion..... don't let it control)

My mate sits on my shoulder
and I was not very much older
Than him when he first hitched a ride

He's been with me all that time

At first he gripped with very sharp claws
and the longer he held the deeper they bit
Till it seemed like he was me
and I was his pain

As time flowed on and life's stabbing blows
were absorbed into my mind
so my mate chortled with glee
"I've got you" says he
You can't get away

It felt never-ending, that ghastly ride.
His laughter drowned out
all the words of those who would help
He dragged me down.... and killed my hope

Long years passed
and the repeated words of hope

from those who would help
gradually sank into my mind

The words that seemed best
are the words that show
that this dreadful mate
is not me! 

He is not me.... that ghastly vulture
sitting on my shoulder.... is not me

I can accept that he is there
but he does not own me.....

He does not control my life
nor control my mind
Poor thing..... he needs help too
Help to calm his pain
till he can find that he is mine

He does not own me. 

© Ian Croft January 2019