This is part of a series that I hope to keep writing based on other people's perceptions of people with mental health problems.

 

 

 

She’s So Sick

 

Have you seen

Where the stainless steel teeth bit in

To her skin?

She claims she tries her best

To suppress

To keep it all within

But white and red raised welts

Spell her weakness and her failures

And each trial and torturous test

And each endless night and darkest day

I guess some things

Can’t exactly be talked or medicated away

Have you seen?

It’s so childish

Like school kids with compass scratches

They unsubtly display

What should be a secret shame

She should roll down her sleeves

And keep them that way

Have you seen?

I mean, how hard can it be?

Just keep the knife in the block

She should stop

Trying to shock and elicit sympathy

From us all

We’ve heard it

We’ve seen it all before

And besides, it looks so sore

Burnt, flushed and raw

I can’t help but stare

Even though I can’t stand to look no more

Have you seen?

Why does she have to hurt herself?

I would, like, lash out

If I were cracked

I’d snap

I’d shout and scream

Not take it out on me

Have you seen

I mean, have you really seen?

She’s just so sick if you ask me.