It’s secretly there all the time
And quite often it can’t hide.
Springing up when least expected
Leaving us feeling ‘infected’.
The silent terror we can’t control
Comes under mental illness.. (eyes roll)
We aren’t refusing to let go,
It’s the one that’s refusing.
We learn ways to keep it at bay
This is a battle, day after day.
But all the time it’s there in hiding
Whatever we do, it’s not subsiding.
Imaging living with this demon
Year after year throughout the seasons.
All we can do it learn to restrain
And quietly carry on managing pain.
[poem by Melanie Ryding]
Melanie Magowan 