Who’s Laughing Now?
I kicked off my shoes before I dipped my toes in the cool, clear water of the river.
The current was weaker there, and I could handle standing knee-deep.
Oh, how the sun would shine on my cheek and kiss me in her warm glow.
I watched her light dance and hop across the water’s surface like a Gerridae.
To and fro, she lept from crest to crest until her bright light was blotted.
The storm clouds rolled in, and the rain began to pour.
I’ve never let a little rain stop me from playing, though.
“Who’s laughing now,” I shouted at the sky as I kicked up water and splashed my own face.
I didn’t notice the current getting stronger.
I walked to the edge, but the river pulled me into its belly.
The riptide was too strong.
I gripped the bed with my toes, hunkered down, and trudged on.
Tail in tow, my foot slipped, and my head dipped below water for the first time.
Woeful beckoning am I.
“Help,” I cried!
“Ah-Ha!” As I regained my balance.
But it’s that particular whooshing sound that buckled my knees.
I’m down again.
Who’s laughing now?
This poem is a representation of what it’s like going through a bipolar cycle and is meant to raise awareness for mental health. The style of this poem was inspired by Joy Harjo’s “Everybody has a heartache”.
Thank you.