Summary

The web content presents a poem titled "Complicit" which explores the theme of mental health as an obstacle, particularly focusing on the internal struggle and eventual overcoming of despair through creative expression, accompanied by a call to action for mental health awareness and de-stigmatization.

Abstract

The poem "Complicit" delves into the depths of mental health challenges, portraying a vivid narrative of an individual's battle with despair and self-worth. The protagonist is engulfed in a fog of misery, haunted by past regrets and rejections, leading to a state of surrender and complicity in her own defeat. However, the narrative takes a turn as healing and warmth envelop her, symbolized by 'sacred honey-myrrh' and a 'knowing hand,' suggesting the power of support and self-care. The poem concludes with the protagonist finding solace in creativity, returning to write with renewed purpose. The author, in the accompanying text, reflects on the importance of addressing mental health, emphasizing that it touches everyone in some way. The poem's creation was inspired by a prompt from Connie Song, and the author expresses a hope that their work will contribute to de-stigmatizing mental illness, while also offering an apology if the content causes distress and urging those in need to seek professional help. The author extends an invitation to fellow writers to engage with the prompt and contribute their voices to the conversation on mental health.

Opinions

Mental health is depicted as a significant and pervasive challenge that affects individuals on a personal level, as well as society at large.
The author believes that writing about mental health plays a crucial role in raising awareness and breaking down the stigma associated with mental illness.
The poem suggests that creative expression, particularly writing, is a powerful tool for personal healing and overcoming mental health obstacles.
There is an acknowledgment of the sensitivity of the topic, with the author expressing concern for readers' well-being and advising those struggling to seek help from health services.
The author values community and collaboration among writers, encouraging others to contribute to the discourse on mental health through their own creative works.

Paper Poetry Prompt #6 | Obstacles or Fences

Complicit

An obstacle of self in unbounded quatrain

Misery and despair descend like a dense fog around her head cloaking her in grey sadness shrouding her world in dread

A leaden wall of worthlessness presses heavy on her chest ragged breaths and tortured sighs freed emissaries from the depths

A fetid lump of foreboding slams into her conscious mind hellbent on wreaking havoc on a spirit already mired

Her head is pummelled with regrets of life spent been and gone opportunities forsaken careers and dreams unshone

Memories of undeserved rejection barbed tentacles of toxic hate wrap tightly around her neck and condemn her to her fate

Almost torn and broken she makes ready to submit willing it to be finished complicit in her defeat

She wallows in her suffering and lets it have its way offering no resistance just tears of hurt and shame

And then she feels it coming the balm of sacred honey-myrrh the warmth of a knowing hand soothing what’s left of her

The anguish and the helplessness cruel spectres in disguise retreat into the recesses powerless to their demise

A golden hue suffuses her wellbeing and her pores while a zephyr of enlightenment stirs her creative core

It’s an oft repeated pattern one she’s come to know too well she rises and with a manifesting purpose returns to her desk, picks up her pen, and writes.

Thank you for reading my poem. Special thanks to Suntonu Bhadra and Melissa Bee at Paper Poetry for the opportunity to contribute to this prompt. Extra special thanks to Connie Song for her thought-provoking prompt topic — Obstacles or Fences.

I wrote the first version of this poem a couple of weeks ago. I put it aside wondering what to do with it. And then along came Connie’s prompt topic! I tightened up the rhyming elements and tweaked the rhythm and flow here and there but essentially the poem is as is.

Mental health is a huge issue — an enormous obstacle — for our society. There would not be a person alive today who would not be touched by mental illness in some way, whether personally or in someone they know. Writing about mental health brings awareness to the subject but more importantly, it helps to de-stigmatize it.

My unreserved and sincere apologies if my poem should cause distress to readers. That was not my intention. If you are struggling with mental health issues, I urge you to seek help from your local health services. Mental illness is not something you can resolve on your own no matter how strong you think you might be.

I want to share the unobscured version of the image I used to decorate my handwritten poem. Not only is it gorgeous in its own right but it symbolizes the words of my poem perfectly. Please spend a moment reflecting on what this image means to you.

In all kindness, I would like to invite my fellow writers at Medium to join me in this prompt — Jenine Bsharah Baines, Amy Marley, Whitney Rose, Dr. Preeti Singh, Isak Dinesen, Jacobo the First, Nick Keehler, James G Brennan, Dana Sanford, Nanette Schieron.

If you are new to Paper Poetry, please go to the ‘Start Here’ tab for instructions on how to become a writer for the publication.