woke psychiatry

21 Feb 2023 2 Comments

by lynn__ in rhyming verse Tags: , , , ,

what is a wo-man?
definitions can bend,
we deny motherhood
and give it to men

diagnostic manual
has changed over years,
believe you’re a unicorn?
here’s a horn and fake ears

gender disphoria is
a new-fashioned curse;
we won’t make it/they better
but can help them feel worse

crack addicts, delusioned
psychotics…don’t treat —
they seem perfectly happy
living homeless on street

wide-spread mental illness
society sick with dis-ease
throw out DSM / Bible
and think as you please!

__________

Will the thought police come after me?

at home with homeless

06 Jan 2020 20 Comments

by lynn__ in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , ,

 

ask a homeless person
what is home to you?

ideally, it’s a safe place
comfortable and pleasant
my sanctuary from the world
where people love you…family

home is peace, not just a roof
maybe a tent on an ocean beach
even a sleeping bag under a bridge
anywhere you lay your head to rest

people look right past me
have you ever felt invisible?

after mom died, no family left
now depend on disability checks
you know how VA ignores veterans
no shelters for people with pets

self-medicating mental illness
spent rent money on crack
nobody will hire an ex-convict
hard when you lose everything

maybe we’re all homeless
looking for the key to security

 

 

Inspired by documentary, “Signs of Humanity” (2016) available on amazon.com based on artist Willie Baronet’s coast to coast trip to collect (buy) signs from homeless people for his “We Are All Homeless” art exhibits.

the invisibles

06 Feb 2019 18 Comments

by lynn__ in sonnet Tags: , , , ,

 

who go unseen by fine society?
the ones unnoticed and unheard today
they live invisible to you and me

on city streets with nowhere else to stay
he sits on curb, searches through garbage can
inside small tent or under bridge he’ll lay

she’s taught by pimp to satisfy the man
but now that she is pregnant, he’s enraged
he curses in her face, hits her with hand

they live forgotten in home for the aged
small rooms smell sour as wander down the hall
both residents and staff are feeling caged

if listen closely can we hear them call?
with open eyes and hearts respond to all.

 

A sonnet consists of 14 lines structured into two parts: first part gives an “argument” and second part a “solution” separated by a “volta” (turn).

English sonnets are usuallly written in iambic pentameter (10 syllables in 5 feet), which resembles natural speech in a “da DUM” rhythm.

Terza Rima is a sonnet divided into 4 tercets and a couplet with the rhyme scheme: ABA BCB CDC DED EE.

Sonnet information from Frank and “invisible” prompt by Merril at dVerse poets pub.

city-escape

18 Oct 2016 14 Comments

by lynn__ in haibun, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , ,

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National conference downtown allows brief time for exploring familiar noisy streets. Walking with a friend to art museum through civic park reveals underbelly of city. A few paces on hot concrete in summer sun induces sweat. Try not to notice drug deal under shade of fountain colonnade or homeless lounging against marbled wall near bronzed statue. Pigeons investigate remnants of fast food, old newspapers and cigarette butts. Step across colorful chalk-lettered sidewalk declaring “Black Lives Matter” while handful of protestors camp under tree. Police car cruises by, another has stopped a car of rowdy boys. Keep focused on destination while avoiding curbside drunks.  Hastily cross boulevard ahead of traffic bearing down. The beautiful main entrance of memories is under construction and visitors are directed past dirt piles to alley door. Once inside, relax in climate-controlled air and stroll past paintings and exhibits, admiring the polished side of human culture.
 

pillowed hotel room

sirens howl in the night

dazed lights of city

 

Linking with dVerse Poets where Bjorn hosts modified haibun Monday.