Brainstorm

I can see the stormy cyclone 
in your eyes
as your stare helplessly
lost inside your mind
reeling in a flood of confusion. 

Desperation rises in your voice 
as you rapidly express
disjointed thoughts and fantasies. 
You wander inside a mirrored 
maze of distortion 
frantically searching for an escape 
groping for a sensible thought
some semblance of reality. 

I can see your pale brow
knit in pain, as small beads 
of sweat trickle down your face
your expression a rigid mask
of catatonic anxiety. 

Oh how I long to help you
dear friend, to offer you
a healing balm
a soothing word
a hope to cling to. 

I hold your trembling hands
as we bow our heads to pray. 






Written on 10/18/18
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Andresen Avatar
October 26, 2018 at 3:23 AM
- Anxiety is a terrible condition, great written Laura :) - Congratulations on your win :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Radke Avatar
October 25, 2018 at 8:14 PM
Congratulations, Laura. I just knew this beautiful writing would do well in the contest. Best wishes. Deb
Hamilton Avatar
October 25, 2018 at 12:53 PM
Congrats on a fine win Laura!
Leiser Avatar
October 25, 2018 at 6:24 PM
Thank you, John, for my placement in your contest! It was a truly fascinating topic to write about. :)
Neumann Avatar
October 20, 2018 at 1:31 AM
Laura, you are nursing that brainstorm very kindly. I am not religious, more spiritual, but prayer helps. And for that, as you probably know, there is scientific evidence. Bless you and kind wishes, Kai
Leiser Avatar
October 20, 2018 at 8:53 AM
Thank you for comments, Kai. Prayer truly is powerful!
Leffanta Avatar
October 19, 2018 at 1:02 PM
As a nurse, you must have noticed the same look in the eyes of a new-born struggling to make sense of what it sees and, as the days pass, struggling to express itself. Babies are born intelligent, but no one makes any effort to learn their language, yet one toddler can still understand the gibberish of another. Good luck in the contest, Laura! Aloha! Rico
Leiser Avatar
October 19, 2018 at 3:47 PM
Thank you, Rico, for your comments and intriguing observations about babies and toddlers!
Radke Avatar
October 19, 2018 at 11:48 AM
I think you have described well the agony of being on the outside looking into the heart of a loved one struggling with mental illness. How often the only thing left is to pray and to be there. But what powerful things these are. Best wishes. Deb
Leiser Avatar
October 19, 2018 at 12:29 PM
Thank you, Deb, for taking the time to comment on my poem. I was a nurse for years and witnessed many who suffered this way.
Cunningham Avatar
October 19, 2018 at 7:13 AM
Well written Laura, I've seen the devestation dementia causes, such a sad state to be in. Tom.
Leiser Avatar
October 19, 2018 at 10:28 AM
Thank you for commenting, Tom. It is very sad, indeed..
Pandit Avatar
October 19, 2018 at 6:10 AM
A difficult theme..you painted the portrait brilliantly..a sure win, Laura.
Leiser Avatar
October 19, 2018 at 10:27 AM
Thank you, Vijay. I actually do have a friend with mental illness...it is tough to see the struggle and it’s effect on her life.
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