You're right Ray. I've discovered there is no set guideline here. No you must write this or that way. I'm so pleased as I can now give my 'mixed up mind' free reign. What you see on your screen is what comes out of the minds of the writers.

Yes Ray, we write here to express our feelings

Thanks for your support
Don ?

Comment is about I'm Bipolar - don't talk about it don (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

The good thing about WOL is that there is no actual standard expected in the work it presents - so you get dross next to inspired masterwork. The important thing is what we get out of it - a sort of body politic - a leveller. Many on here have found inspiration and recognition on a personal level and a sharing of feelings and ideas.
I guess this should hopefully be a good starting point to express our aspirations.

Go for it Don!

Ray

Comment is about I'm Bipolar - don't talk about it don (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

Hi Don,
A very important poem, very well explained about the condition but in a readable way that makes you want to know more.
I hope more awareness will develop about these health issues because they are often kept secret.
I look forward to reading more of your work.

Hannah

Comment is about I'm Bipolar - don't talk about it don (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

Thanks Martin. My career has been an educator. Through education you come out of the darkness of ignorance. Ignorance causes misunderstanding, don't want to know etc I wrote this for the specific purpose to educate. True, BD is becoming more talked about and understood but there is still a long way to go. Bipolars still hang back in the shadows. They have not yet felt free to 'come out'.

Don

Comment is about I'm Bipolar - don't talk about it don (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

A very fine poem Don. well done in writing this and being so honest. I believe that being bipolar is becoming more recognised amongst those who either don't have it or have never heard of it before . It is important that it is talked more so that society as a whole can move to a greater understanding and take away some of the stigma that is attached to such an illness. More power to you Don

Comment is about I'm Bipolar - don't talk about it don (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

Anya and Hugh

My reason for posting this was to raise awareness and for whoever takes the time to read it to understand my poetry and where I'm coming from. As I have said people don't want to talk about mental illness. It seems to make them uneasy. Perhaps it's because it's not like a physical illness they can actually see.

Anya, I am in the second half of life. The advantage of being my age and retired is you're not afraid to say what you feel. I don't care what others think.. I just say it. Take it or leave it. I don't have job protection to worry about.

Damn it Anya why do we feel the need to build this false protective persona in our poetry, too afraid to reveal the real person inside us ? ( it's inappropriate don...ah hannah)

We understand each other. Yes?

Don ?

Comment is about I'm Bipolar - don't talk about it don (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

Great explanation,well done.

Comment is about I'm Bipolar - don't talk about it don (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

Thankyou Anya

We write to express ourselves How we feel. To vent our emotions. I don't believe in hiding myself in the dark. How I write is the real me. I should not be afraid of 'coming out'. This 'affliction' drives me. I wouldn't want it any other way.

Don

Comment is about I'm Bipolar - don't talk about it don (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

Brian - good news !

I'll try my best to write good stuff
It's what I came here for
Disregard my definer
Gotta go write some more

By now you will have guessed full well
You provide good material
I've spoken to my manager and
We're planning a serial

Don ?

PS. I do not expect you to take personal situations into account when commenting on poems. I just wanted you to know where I'm coming from.

Comment is about I'm Bipolar - don't talk about it don (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews

Don

Personally I judge the poems on their merits alone. I do not take personal circumstances into account because, let's face it, everyone could probably come up with something that defines them. Just write good stuff Don.

Comment is about I'm Bipolar - don't talk about it don (blog)

Original item by Don Matthews