Poem: “Schizophrenia”
DISCLAIMER:
This is a fictional poem by Dr. Isi, based on the experiences she has heard from a number of past Schizophrenic clients.
The poem calls to light the struggle of those who live with the condition and the loneliness that can come to the forefront when their medication stops the voices they have come to be used to and, in essence, destroys the reality they know to be true. At times like these, it is incredibly important for family, friends and the community around the individual with Schizophrenia to support them even more.
Schizophrenia
”better than silence”
- a poem by Dr. Isioma Nwokolo
For seasons on end, I’m never alone.
The chattering voices are here in my home;
They goad me, berate me and tell me that I’m shit.
They tell me the world around me is a cess pit.
For years on end, this has been my lot;
Normal human interactions, I almost forgot.
As a matter of fact, I live on my own and
Loneliness is something I’ve come to know.
My mates have departed to lands far and wide,
My family the same, mentally and aside.
Distressing as the voices are, their presence is dear.
For, at the very least, it feels as though someone is near.
The days are long and the nights are cold.
I long and wish to be different, to toe
The line others follow which seems to bring such joy,
Fulfilment, love, satisfaction and coy.
They give me medication and are happy to see
My hallucinatory mental companions disappear from close to me.
They discharge me and — I go home alone.
To face my fears, my failures and the unending unknown.
Can anyone understand why I choose to relapse? To stop my medication and repeat my admission class?
At least it’s familiar, Alas. Alas—
