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Descent To Ascent

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I found this poem very challenging to write, as it depicts the journey of a man who suffers from trauma-induced mental health issues, such as psychosis, delusions, dissociation, and madness. As an ongoing mental health counselor for many years, I empathize with my clients facing similar challenges.

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……Somewhere a lone survivor of a plane crash A man of sound and reason standing tall and proud. But a voice of lies and madness whispering words of doubt. His mind a fortress sturdy no shadows in the crowd. But a path of doom and darkness waiting to break out. Delusions like a serpent, coiling in his brain, Paranoia like a venom, oozing from his core. Twisting truth and logic, driving him insane. The world a hostile army, waging endless war. Dissociation like a vise, squeezing his soul tight, A mirror of identity, shattered into shards. Lost within the maze, his selfhood out of sight. The pieces of his being, scattered near and far. Psychosis like a demon, dancing in his mind, The music of madness, playing its eerie song. Illusions like a spider, weaving webs to bind. As his grip on sanity, was slowly being wronged. Not working….. He found a radio, a possible voice of hope and light. …..Working Then a change of course, a turn of fate’s design, A mind once plunged in madness, now rising to the fight. From blackness to brightness, a force of hope divine. An ascent from affliction, a story of great might. As his grip on sanity was slowly being restored, Illusions like a spider weaving webs to break. The music of madness playing its final chord. Psychosis like a demon dancing in his wake. The pieces of his being scattered near and far, Lost within the maze his selfhood comes to light. A mirror of identity shattered into stars. Dissociation like a vise squeezing his soul bright. The world a hostile army waging endless peace. Twisting truth and logic driving him to sane. Paranoia like a venom oozing from his fleece. Delusions like a serpent coiling in his mane. But a path of doom and darkness waiting to fade out. His mind a fortress sturdy no shadows in the crowd. But a voice of lies and madness whispering words of doubt? A man of sound and reason standing tall and proud? A lone survivor of a plane crash……

Copyright © | Year Posted 2023




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Date: 1/24/2025 11:00:00 AM
I liked how you made it come full circle. I hope his sanity wins out. How cool you are a mental health counselor you have the empathy for it
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/25/2025 6:23:00 AM
Dear Andrea, I a so pleased you came back to this poem specifically for I truly wanted to use the same types of phrases in both the descent and ascent. Sort of a play on phrasing. Some f my greatest joys are helping someone ascend from their disorders. Thank You! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel
Date: 6/13/2024 1:16:00 PM
We have a grandson who lives with us who has a brain disease called Huntington's Disease. He will stop taking his medicine and when he does, he starts getting worse and worse until we don't know what he might do. Most of the time I can't get him back to taking it unless I call for help. I think sometimes one day he is going to do that, and we are going to get hurt or killed and the end results will not be a happy one for everyone around. Thanks for sharing this one with us. Sara K
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 6/17/2024 6:15:00 AM
Dear Sara, your vulnerability in sharing your family's struggles is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Facing such immense challenges with courage and compassion is a testament to your strength. I pray solutions for the complex realities many families navigate. You have my deepest empathy and admiration for persevering through the difficulties of Huntington's Disease. Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel.
Date: 2/28/2024 11:11:00 AM
Daniel, this is an interesting exploration of the effects of trauma. The soul you describe had a dose of everything bad--you certainly captured that with excruciating detail. The path in each direction makes this intriguing. I think it insightful that you use a plane crash as the trigger. On a personal note, one of my jobs before retirement involved investigation of aircraft accidents. Just seeing them caused me some distress. I imagine you suffer to some extent when you see affected souls.
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/29/2024 5:46:00 AM
Hello Duke, Your insightful comment on my poem deeply touches me. Your experience with aircraft accidents lends weight to your observations. Trauma's impact, vividly depicted, reveals a soul's journey through adversity. Thank you for your profound insight and empathy. - Blessings, Daniel
Date: 11/29/2023 10:52:00 PM
this, "Dissociation like a vise, squeezing his soul tight, A mirror of identity, shattered into shards. Lost within the maze, his selfhood out of sight. The pieces of his being, scattered near and far."
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Lady Labyrinth
Date: 11/29/2023 10:53:00 PM
Accurate.
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Lady Labyrinth
Date: 11/29/2023 10:53:00 PM
Profound write. Overall. Profiler, or Occupant.

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