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Portrait of a Kleptomaniac

Inspired by Portrait of a Kleptomaniac Painting by Théodore Géricault. An 1822 painting done as a series for a psychiatrist to identify mental illnesses. I sit here awhile It's my task today Lost in empty dreaming Consciousness reserved For moments elsewhere When I roam unseen I can't hoodwink anyone But I can become invisible I can't summon the dream Being detained has taken the skip from my step A light is shined upon me So torturous I'm numb Do I remember who I was? All was well, then I'd get the notion The notion. What would follow would be a debate Yes you can, no you can't I knew that I would That's when I became Fully conscious, fully awake I'd learnt that I couldn't have a furtive look It drew attention, I had to be calm Awake. Like the days worth of energy Was right there. I think all my energy is there Back in the before Before being detained and treated All energy locked in a box now Marked 'no stealing' I wasn't harming anybody. Matchsticks were my favourite Exit and give the box a shake It was stepping things up that drew attention Bars of soap It makes the guards laugh I miss those matchboxes Obviously I liked a drink too Doesn't everyone? It's hard not existing in-between Like now, I don't have the thoughts So all day is the In-between Waiting for the notion No notion, no drink, no matchboxes And this is what better feels like I'm told

Copyright © | Year Posted 2023




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Date: 2/23/2023 6:18:00 AM
The compulsion to take something. My daughter’s principal, it turned out was a kleptomaniac! She hid a chicken underneath her clothing and was arrested. Such a strange happening!!
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Da11y Avatar
Di11y Da11y
Date: 2/23/2023 6:25:00 AM
Haha I'm not sure I've met one in real life!
Date: 2/23/2023 12:06:00 AM
Love your take on this portrait, DD:) you bring the picture alive:)
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Di11y Da11y
Date: 2/23/2023 12:15:00 AM
Thank you Jo, different times and psyches can be fascinating

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