INSANITY MUSIC

Last year, her imagination went double
so she ignored her previous schedule.
She put all her dreams inside of clear jars,
decorated with different, assorted stars.

She believed if she always kept things rounded
she would also succeed in keeping life grounded,
So, she would circle every found square
believing it demonstrated her constant care.

Plastic, colored eggs hung from her ceiling
to keep her floor from creaking and reeling.
Pale pink and bold gold stripes on her wall
recorded every received telephone call.

She worshiped and loved both the sun and moon,
but only from inside her living room.
She feared really being observed outside,
a place where stray cats were known to hide.

She always loved to dance, but during this year
she’s been dancing to music only she can hear.
All these things bring her secure nuances near,
but make her sanity less and less clear.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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12
Dietrich Avatar
September 4, 2025 at 9:46 PM
So far, of what I read tonight, this is my favorite one, Caycay. I notice I read it also years ago and had told you it was one of your best poems!
Schack Avatar
April 30, 2025 at 10:22 AM
my father, rest in peace, who was a psychosocial worker, told me, just as a person can be driven insane, they can also be driven sane, nice poetry, please, enjoy or feedback mine. be well.
Barden Avatar
December 12, 2018 at 12:16 AM
Wonderfully powerful ... I'm going through this with my dad, even as I type this, he's lying in his bed ranting, a once brilliant scientist. Best wishes and sincere congratulations for your win in Maureen's contest, CayCay, and for bringing more attention to this subject - keep up the great work, and I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season! :-) <3
Godwin Avatar
December 12, 2018 at 7:54 AM
I feel you, Greg; there are countless poems that I've written concerning my own Mom's (82) changes. Therapy writes all. It's so hard to understand why God puts our elderly thru such, maybe He doesn't - maybe the way we live does. I don't know, but boy oh boy do I ponder. You aren't alone as you go thru a most dreary winter with your Father - not much help, I know. I wish you and yours the merriest of merries, may joy find its way into your heart where its seeds might sprout a most content 2019 - to me, content is a most powerful word. God bless ... CayCay
Gauthier Avatar
December 10, 2018 at 11:33 PM
Congrats on your win, CayCay. Well done.
Adams Avatar
February 1, 2018 at 3:48 PM
Well, I'm late on the bandwagon. I saw your interesting name commenting on some poem somewhere, but your recent visit and wonderful words got me curious. I'm very glad I was. This is obviously an amazing piece! Immediately a FAV for me as I'm sure for many others. Thank you so much for your kind words, even more so appreciated in light of your obvious talent!....80).........Pat
Godwin Avatar
February 1, 2018 at 8:43 PM
Your words are a gift that is always timely, Pat, never, ever could such validation be late. I'm va-klimsed (or however Streisand says it in Funny Girl, are you with me?) Thank you for early Spring sunshine, I'm twirling in it. Poetry hugs ... CayCay
May Avatar
December 21, 2016 at 5:39 PM
Great write and win Cay Cay...Congrats
Williams Avatar
December 20, 2016 at 10:12 PM
What a brilliant work of art. It isn't easy for most to be able to glance into that world so vividly and then find your way back out. Bravo. Congratulations on your win.
Breedt Avatar
October 27, 2016 at 5:21 AM
Your work is truly amazing. You have become my favorite female poet. This is really good I can appreciate the thought process and the laboring over sentences and words. I wonder if you surprised yourself. Bloody good show
Schneiter Avatar
August 30, 2016 at 7:36 AM
What a fascinating and intriguing character you have given us! I was transfixed by every line. Thank you for sharing a premium-quality composition. And, yes, congratulations.
Godwin Avatar
August 30, 2016 at 11:14 AM
Paul - I don't know what led you to this poem, but I'm grateful it did. Our writes become old on here almost as soon as they're born, so thank you for resuscitating one so enthusiastically. You made me feel good - thank you! All the best ... CayCay
Marcum Wong Avatar
May 28, 2016 at 1:06 AM
I believe your poem struck such a popular cord because readers may know of someone who lives in their own world where the things they do make sense to them and are very real. I know someone like this bless her. Your poems are so moving, fiction or not CayCay. Cheers, Connie
Dietrich Avatar
January 2, 2016 at 7:03 PM
haha, and I am reading what you said to me on this one, that it was PURE fiction!! Well, guess what? your pure fiction got put as your BEST poem here at Soup. Let me go see if number two's is one i already read as well.
Aul Avatar
November 24, 2015 at 11:34 AM
Congrats on your win with a great poem............... George
Godwin Avatar
December 1, 2015 at 7:10 PM
Thank you very much, George ... CayCay
Dietrich Avatar
November 24, 2015 at 10:15 AM
gosh is this in some way a self portrait of a time in your life? CayCay, I wish I could hear from you or say more to you. I gotta hurry for my trip. So I am just trying to do as many as I can. Leaving at 5 today! Wish me luck!!!!! Happy Thanksgiving, my friend. And congrats on this superb win.
Godwin Avatar
December 1, 2015 at 7:10 PM
THIS IS PURE FICTION! Thank you for your comments, Andrea, and a belated Happy Turkey Day to you and yours .... CayCay
A  Avatar
November 24, 2015 at 3:19 AM
CayCay, Congratulations on your wonderful win. Love SKAT
Godwin Avatar
December 1, 2015 at 7:11 PM
Thanks, sweetie ... CayCay
Roper Avatar
November 23, 2015 at 9:17 PM
Excellent! Congratulations on your win!
Godwin Avatar
December 1, 2015 at 7:11 PM
Thank you very much, Eve ... CayCay
Haight Avatar
November 23, 2015 at 12:08 PM
CayCay, congratulations on your First Place win for your sensitive poem that captures such pain when the mind runs away. So emotional and well written. Hugs, Sandra
Godwin Avatar
December 1, 2015 at 7:14 PM
I enjoyed your comments very much. Thank you, Sandra, for your sweet and uplifting words ... CayCay
Hickman Avatar
November 23, 2015 at 7:20 AM
Congratulations on first place,, an amazing write that details a state of mind that many suffer from ,,,,,delicately tackled and described with such finesse.
Godwin Avatar
December 1, 2015 at 7:14 PM
I sure enjoyed your comments and I certainly thank you for them, Cecil. Take good care ... CayCay
Bhurani Avatar
November 23, 2015 at 4:55 AM
Congratulations,..... Well portrayed scenario of mind.. Good read.....best wishes
Godwin Avatar
December 1, 2015 at 7:15 PM
I am so glad, Rizwana, that you enjoyed the write. Thank you so much for taking the time to tell me ... CayCay
A. Sharma Avatar
November 22, 2015 at 11:22 PM
Congrats on ur wonderful winning work Caycay!
Godwin Avatar
December 1, 2015 at 7:16 PM
As always, thank you for your kindness ... CayCay
Kimathi Avatar
November 22, 2015 at 11:16 PM
Hi CayCay. Congrats for your WIN in the music contest! ;-)
Godwin Avatar
December 1, 2015 at 7:17 PM
Thank you, Teddy ... CayCay
Callus Avatar
October 11, 2015 at 6:55 AM
This poem describes a state of mind which you tackle in a dignified manner, CayCay. Sanity, or the lack of it is never easy to describe. #7 Regards // paul
Godwin Avatar
December 1, 2015 at 7:17 PM
Oh, but I appreciate your comments, Paul! Thank you so much ... CayCay
Hunjeri Avatar
October 4, 2015 at 5:35 PM
This is such a great write. I give it a 7 and wish you the best in the contest.
Godwin Avatar
October 4, 2015 at 7:05 PM
Hey, there. I want to go see if you've written one. As always, I like seeing your face in my 'place.' (I just cracked myself up.) Thank you, Njeri, for your encouraging comment ... CayCay
Lamoureux Avatar
October 4, 2015 at 1:02 AM
I am, more comfortable writing than performing but the more I do it the easier it is becoming. I am now beginning to enjoy myself.
Lamoureux Avatar
October 2, 2015 at 9:20 AM
A very enjoyable read, this would be a good one for a spoken word performance.
Godwin Avatar
October 2, 2015 at 8:23 PM
Oh, no - would you believe I have performance anxiety? Happy to act up in a crowd, but at a podium - I freak. Took speech in HS to get over it, but I quit because they wanted me to speak! I'm so glad you enjoyed the poem and took the time to tell me. Thank you, Richard ... CayCay
Dunn Avatar
October 1, 2015 at 8:25 PM
Dear CayCay I agree with my sister Mystic Rose, we all feel this way dear friend at one time or another, and dance to the silent music that we can only hear within us all, and sanity is so overrated, just kidding I've had moments of insantity, where I do things because I'm upset or emotional, but it only lasts for a few seconds, and it happens to all of us, love the poem because of it's honesty, take care and thanks for the review and no I give out candy shaped bones, and body parts, cheri
Godwin Avatar
October 2, 2015 at 8:26 PM
Hi, Sweetie - how you must love Halloween! Isn't it wonderful that you have this forum to share you imagination with others. Thank you, Cherl, for your comments about the poem. I appreciate you ... CayCay
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