Melancholy

A mist of grey enters through the gate,
     stealing color from the rose.
The leaves and skies a darker shade
      when invited to enter its gloom.
The tears one sheds, welcome malaise,
      and raindrops against the window.
Memories of smiles and sunlit days lost,
     squandered on the mental rain.
In long-ago days, melancholy was thought
     a somewhat bitter charm.
Young girls, distraught behind their fans,
     found fragility's aura within its arms.
A weighty mist, its sadness no longer sought
     Its medical term is Depression 
     a psychological, genetic, medical condition.
Time passes slowly until melancholy ebbs and then leaves. 
     Too soon, it will return to those who wait.

May 8, 2023
for "Anatomy of Melancholy" poetry contest
by Craig Cornish

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Sam Kauffman

Date: 5/15/2023 11:11:00 AM

Ann, congratulations on your win. Your words eloquently display the intensity of this feeling and its ability to create inertia. Love the historical reference to the romanticized view of melancholy women behind their fans swooning! Your last line is powerful and intense as melancholy itself! Blessings of bright, sunny days to you!

Ann Peck
Date: 5/16/2023 10:39:00 AM

You are so kind, Sam! Actually, I was married to a man who was bipolar, diagnosed six years into our marriage. I had known, though, that something wasn't right. Depression is a terrible thing. Bright sunshine always to you, too!