I wish there was a colloquial term for obsessive-compulsive disorder that better captured its realities. Anyway, thanks always for your writing on mental health. I first found your poems as a very depressed teenager over a decade ago and they brought me some solace and company. They still bring me solace and company now.
Mar 18, 2023·edited Mar 18, 2023Liked by Sherman Alexie
In the written poem above the stanza reads:
Depression is a relentless
clock, collapsed. Depression is
is a compass, confused.
But in the audio you say:
Depression is a relentless
clock, stopped. Depression is
is a compass, spinning.
I'm not sure which you intended (I prefer the audio version), but I thought you might want to know. (I should have differently, not incorrectly. Sorry.)
Very real and intense. I too struggle with depression and a few other mental illnesses. From one day to the next I'm not sure how I'm going to feel. Very good poem and you read it very well too Sherman.
Wait, I want to say more. My post pandemic (don't read particularly well) senior high school students announced in class that the two Indians bantering in "Crazy Horse Dreams" provided them a first opportunity to comprehend gender stereotypes actually worked in their world. No small thing.
Transcendent work, Sir, which models a familiarity of the affliction I do not wish upon anyone. Mine has proven to be readily managed over the years since finally diagnosed, but I see so many whom may never be delivered that I tremble in gratitude. This poem gives recognition (several instances/entire stanzas) and life-affirming hope, which demands struggle to render so keenly. I salute you!
For me, depression doesn’t fade or turn things to gray. It’’s vivid and that is terrifying. It’s a reminder of how ridiculously miraculous life can be. So beautiful that it hurts deeply—nausea. That piece of music just knocked me to my knees. I choose to feel, it cuts, but I will not give in. I choose to live.
Another great and important work Sherman. Is there an entire/long book on depression/handbook to surviving...in your future? No one gives hope quite like U!
Surviving the Knife
I wish there was a colloquial term for obsessive-compulsive disorder that better captured its realities. Anyway, thanks always for your writing on mental health. I first found your poems as a very depressed teenager over a decade ago and they brought me some solace and company. They still bring me solace and company now.
Absolutely. And now you point it out, you're right. The "C" sound does surprise. 😮 It is better. My apologies.
In the written poem above the stanza reads:
Depression is a relentless
clock, collapsed. Depression is
is a compass, confused.
But in the audio you say:
Depression is a relentless
clock, stopped. Depression is
is a compass, spinning.
I'm not sure which you intended (I prefer the audio version), but I thought you might want to know. (I should have differently, not incorrectly. Sorry.)
This is excellent. It captures the hope in hopelessness.
Very real and intense. I too struggle with depression and a few other mental illnesses. From one day to the next I'm not sure how I'm going to feel. Very good poem and you read it very well too Sherman.
Wait, I want to say more. My post pandemic (don't read particularly well) senior high school students announced in class that the two Indians bantering in "Crazy Horse Dreams" provided them a first opportunity to comprehend gender stereotypes actually worked in their world. No small thing.
Really like this piece, especially liked what it takes to survive as an Indian pilgrim/pioneer, the contradiction.
Powerful
Your words, as always, profoundly affect me. I myself have no words, thank you Sherman.
Awe Beautiful, best wishes.
Stunning. I've printed it out to read when I wake at 3 am and need reassurance there is enough spirit in the world to hold me. Thanks.
I’ve read this poem 5x and I’m going to come back 5 more times. Exquisitely honest!
Very powerful, very moving.
Transcendent work, Sir, which models a familiarity of the affliction I do not wish upon anyone. Mine has proven to be readily managed over the years since finally diagnosed, but I see so many whom may never be delivered that I tremble in gratitude. This poem gives recognition (several instances/entire stanzas) and life-affirming hope, which demands struggle to render so keenly. I salute you!
A beautiful poem, sir.
For me, depression doesn’t fade or turn things to gray. It’’s vivid and that is terrifying. It’s a reminder of how ridiculously miraculous life can be. So beautiful that it hurts deeply—nausea. That piece of music just knocked me to my knees. I choose to feel, it cuts, but I will not give in. I choose to live.
Thank you for your words.
Listening through my tears. So beautiful and sad. Thank you Sherman
Another great and important work Sherman. Is there an entire/long book on depression/handbook to surviving...in your future? No one gives hope quite like U!