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Health in the Head

That woman sobbed in the library's IT room. It was the tenth of October, though that seemed so irrelevant. Why did this woman upset me? She was uncanny, eldritch, and the whole thing was sad. I almost had tears in my eyes. Thin and middle-aged, maybe she was old. She was grey and wore a grey overcoat. Yes, I did almost cry at that sight. Something not working on that machine? That computer seemed to refuse to do what she demanded. A librarian spoke gently to her, tried to help. Did the tenth of October have a reckoning on her? She was to my right, a small distance away, her back to me. I could not see her face. I think the woman settled and I do rather hope she's OK, though I'd never met her, may never see her again. I upped and left the room for home. It was the tenth of October. It was World Mental Health Day. (10 Oct 2023)

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Jeanette Brewin

Date: 10/21/2023 2:26:00 AM

Yes, people can be affected in many different ways. Sometimes, having someone to talk to can make a big difference. A good poem. Well done.

Andrew John
Date: 11/3/2023 8:48:00 AM

Thank you, Jeanette.

Ink Empress

Date: 10/17/2023 10:56:00 AM

So well written for mental health day, so well described and is a poignant write. I felt the depth of what you’ve conveyed here and if only many would stop and lend their ear for the ones that may need. Sigh! Wishing you a beautiful day ahead

Andrew John
Date: 10/18/2023 6:12:00 AM

Many thanks, Ink. Yes, this did happen in our local library IT suite, and that woman was in a state, though it was a few weeks ago. I then came across the fact that World Mental Health Day was on 10 Oct, and the two things came together.

Karen Jones

Date: 10/12/2023 7:12:00 AM

So engaging and wonderfully written to pull me into her sadness. What a cool poem for mental health awareness.

Andrew John
Date: 10/13/2023 8:37:00 AM

Thanks so much, Karen.

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 10/12/2023 4:28:00 AM

wow...poignant write, Andrew. I felt for the older woman who was frustrated yet calmed when the librarian spoke to her. The narrator's observations were perfect. Nicely done, sir. Have a blessed day, Sara

Andrew John
Date: 10/13/2023 8:37:00 AM

Thanks very much, Sara.