The Potters Field

Like an intricate mosaic with just one missing tile.
You know something is wrong and has been for a while.
Surreptitiously working its way into your mind.
Not wanting to admit an illness, saying things will be fine.

The nightmares come first, wake up dripping in sweat.
Maybe see a doctor about it, but doesn't want to just yet.
Panic attacks, immobilise, their talons grip deep into your soul.
Forced to submit to the wretchedness of its filthy black hole.

Like many before, temporary solace is found in the bottle.
Swilling down the demon drink until over they topple.
When the foggy haze of drunkenes clears and the innards burn.
To be immersed in liquor once again they would yearn.

The pills, well they work to keep you sane.
Not to make you better but just to numb the brain.
Emotion is gone, neither feeling happy or sad.
I think I'd rather feel something, even if it's bad.

PTSD, reduced to an acronym all of its own.
R.Y.O.K, is the message to call someone over the phone.
A campaign of advertising, that will do the trick.
But the sufferer still feels no one cares one little bit.

Like the potters field from times of old.
Where broken vessels are tossed, that don't quite fit the mould.
It's a difficult task to bend down and pick up each shard.
Try to put a pot back together, it just seems way too hard.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Cresswell Avatar
October 1, 2017 at 11:22 AM
I am sorry for the circumstances that created your P.T.S.D.yet your courage took you through it. I am proud to be acquainted with such a good person. Your poem took me through the experience and taught me much about this condition. My understanding has increased thanks to you. Thank you, well done.
Emu Avatar
October 2, 2017 at 4:50 AM
Thanks Patricia. Appreciate your visit and comments.
Deo Avatar
May 7, 2017 at 9:31 PM
Yes, Sir, you did your duty. "Duty" calls like God calls, the British Empire knew it. So saddened when all feelings sink into a black hole. Potters' field has many meanings ... Judas added his 30 pieces! But Jesus will mend the pottery, no matter the many shards. He has infinite time & patience. But one has to ask Jesus; I know you will. Light ahead
Timperley Avatar
October 11, 2016 at 3:58 AM
Your last stanza in a way is so true. The potters field was and still is, a place where the lost and unfortunate are laid to rest. I have just had a very interesting and enlightening read about Hart Island NY. Great write Craig. God Bless D.
Emu Avatar
October 12, 2016 at 1:00 PM
Thanks Dave for the visit and comments.
Dietrich Avatar
June 30, 2016 at 8:26 AM
Wow, Craig , you did a really inventive poem about this topic, not just telling us, but SHOWING with great images. if it is your own plight, I am sorry you must live through it. this has to be such a terrible thing. Something that is out of one's control , unlike many other illnesses and brought on by crap that the sufferer never wished on himself or anybody else. your symbolism of potters field was brilliant.
Emu Avatar
June 30, 2016 at 3:22 PM
Thanks Andrea, appreciate the kind review. My ptsd is in the past (thankfully)
Hauser  Avatar
June 28, 2016 at 5:31 AM
A very thought provoking piece set perfectly to rhyme my friend...excellent!
Emu Avatar
June 29, 2016 at 4:39 AM
Cheers for the review and visit Mike, appreciate it
Uzzell Avatar
June 27, 2016 at 6:58 AM
I wonder how many people know why unknown people are buried in potter's field? Just like the broken vessels, they don't fit anywhere. Interesting poem. I hope you aren't suffering from these maladies. 8-)
Emu Avatar
June 28, 2016 at 4:59 AM
Quite right Yvonne, probably not many. I am a former ptsd sufferer, thankfully a career change made a huge difference.
Ball Avatar
June 24, 2016 at 9:57 AM
Any illness is hard to accept. Especially when it's incurable. But the stalwart heart learns to accept and live with it. To work around it. Doctors have been wrong before and they will be proven wrong again. The way I see it God made me and when I am bruised and broken He can fix me. A fine write with great expression and emotion. I hope it's not a true story. God Bless my friend. JB
Emu Avatar
June 25, 2016 at 6:24 PM
Well said Judy. You are correct.
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