Home » Poems » Di11y Da11y » Portrait of a Man Suffering Delusions of Military Rank 1822

Portrait of a Man Suffering Delusions of Military Rank 1822

Inspired by the painting 'Portrait of a Man Suffering Delusions of Military Rank' by Theodore Gericault circa 1822 which was painted as a series for a psychiatrist to aid identification of mental illness. The poem is best viewed alongside the painting. I have lived my life, am now near it's end Found myself without family or friend The toil and labours burned my brain Made it difficult for me to make sense, to explain The frustration of speaking to any of these White coated men toting so called degrees Determined to shine lights in my eyes Confuse and accuse me of telling them lies For what aim would I lie to any of thee I am due some respect and the choice to be free Questioned and mocked, notes written down Knowing glances passed all around Disregard all I've done for the good of this land Don't they know I was looked up to, in command These delusions they bleat on about day after day Perhaps they are lost for something clever to say I surrender, I'm out manned and out gunned I have no proof of rank, I'm shamed and I'm shunned Every man that once stood by my side Every one of them lost, all have long since died I stand alone with no medals or forms Captured in oils and labelled in scorn I know myself and what I've achieved Need to block out the words 'mental disease' These quacks I know I should really outrank But it seems it is I who is finally outflanked Your Option Again Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Brian Strand 1st place

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Unseeking Seeker

Date: 2/27/2023 4:42:00 PM

I can relate to this very well, my father was in the army and fought many a war. There is a definite impact on seeing bloodshed, fighting hand to hand for years on end. A superb write, DD, well deserving of the top win in Brian’s contest.

Di11y Da11y
Date: 2/27/2023 11:29:00 PM

Thank you for your kind comments. These series of paintings are very emotive on multiple layers. I appreciate your comment. I doubt I could go beyond the superficial as the reality of the detail would be too terrible to read and write about and is likely best left to those with first hand knowledge. It was an interesting series of paintings to explore and imagine the stories of those within. The two I chose seem to not deserve incarceration at all.

Ann Peck

Date: 2/27/2023 2:28:00 PM

Such a sad poem about a system that was truly sad in the 1800s. It actually probably bordered on cruelty. Your poem is beautiful. Congratulations!

Di11y Da11y
Date: 2/27/2023 2:34:00 PM

Thank you Ann. I read that the composition the artist chose was that of portraits of noblemen and he deliberately did so as a step away from how those with mental health concerns were portrayed at the time. Any system with those with power and those who are powerless is scary. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. Many thanks

Sara Kendrick

Date: 2/27/2023 8:46:00 AM

Congratulations on this winning work in Brian's contest. Way to go. It is good to see your poem there. Sara

Di11y Da11y
Date: 2/27/2023 9:04:00 AM

Thank you Sara, not sure this one has mass appeal but it was fun to do :)

Janice Canerdy

Date: 2/27/2023 6:27:00 AM

Dilly Dally, this skillfully written, vividly descriptive poem tore at my heart! A big CONGRATS on your win! Janice

Di11y Da11y
Date: 2/27/2023 6:36:00 AM

Many thanks Janice! I really appreciate your comments. I wasn't sure if there was much of a market for this one but it was interesting to think about and write. I'm glad you enjoyed it :)