Time of Our Lives

Summary

The poem "Time of Our Lives" reflects on the struggles of the "broken youth" navigating a world indifferent to their challenges, while they seek hope and growth amidst adversity.

Abstract

The poem "Time of Our Lives" paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by young individuals in a world that seems to overlook their struggles. It speaks to the experiences of those who find themselves in institutional settings, such as psychiatric wards, where daily routines and chemical interventions shape their existence. Despite the harsh realities of limited freedom, the poem conveys a sense of resilience and the possibility of healing and personal growth. It acknowledges the difficulty of transitioning from darkness to light and emphasizes the strength required to cope with a society that is often unsympathetic to mental health issues. The poem ultimately suggests that, through perseverance, the youth can rise above their circumstances and reclaim their lives.

Opinions

The author criticizes the lack of fairness in society, particularly for the youth who are marginalized and struggle to find their place.
There is a sense of frustration with the institutionalization of mental health care, which is depicted as a carousel that starts young and leaves individuals old, suggesting a cycle that is hard to break.
The poem expresses that while the world may be too sick to care about the illness of individuals, those affected possess an inner strength that can help them stand their ground.
It conveys a hopeful message that despite being "broken," individuals can grow and find healing, indicating that recovery and self-improvement are possible.
The author seems to question whether given more time in a day, they would rise above their challenges or succumb to them, reflecting on the nature of personal resilience.

“It’s time for coping with a world too sick to care we’re ill”

Life’s not fair for the broken youth, there are Fairs in all counties but not a fair chance for you Without the fair sun to bully out the scared moon How else would we know it was Day? Breaks split patterns shift the high lanterns that spin in our sky, Nightfall is nigh My heart desires why? Much more, to know why?! Set in moonstone and brimstone (Much more hydrogen, though) But our stone can’t spin without suffering limited days

Trays of food set out to be picked, now, now This portrays the days For broken youth we stood in halls those days, breaking in the day Dayrooms colored us with things to do, filling the day’s time If you’re lucky there’s some extra food or a phone call on the line From a loved one you might receive a hug, maybe a smuggled treat Can’t see contraband, the bipolar man can As he sits in a corner with his mind gone free It’s a carousel for all, they start young and leave old Pumped with active chemical castrations, This life ain’t for the bold For the broken youth, a haven and floor The lobby of psychological downpour open to them Forever and more to wade and waddle and waste Yet there is a saving grace ...

So the youth have grown and now seek life Leaving from dark to light is no easy task I mean, the time passed and still the days don’t last It’s time for coping with a world too sick to care we’re ill (Our strength is tighter, though we buckle, we can stand our ground) Out to the world all ye young youth go You are broken no more and growth has come fast While we try and recover our adolescence, I wonder Would I rise or go under with more hours in a day?

Time of Our Lives — Poem

“It’s time for coping with a world too sick to care we’re ill”