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.
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.)
Ah, yes, I rewrote the poem. I prefer the new verbs. They repeat the "c" sound and I think they're a little more surprising. Thanks for noticing the change!
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!
I am glad to hear that. Plenty of writer friends battle with those "noonday demons". I expect you know a few. I sometimes feel as if the muse likes to extract a price. Be well.
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!
Thank you, Rick. I don't think I'd write a book like that. I've mentioned it elsewhere in these comments. One of the best books about living with depression is Andrew Solomon's The Noonday Demon. https://andrewsolomon.com/books/the-noonday-demon/
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.
Thank you, Kelly. I'm happy my words provide some solace.
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.)
Ah, yes, I rewrote the poem. I prefer the new verbs. They repeat the "c" sound and I think they're a little more surprising. Thanks for noticing the change!
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.
Thank you, Pennie. I wish you strength when you're in you darrkest times.
Thank you Sherman, much appreciated.
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.
Ah, wow, that poem is so long. I wrote it when I was 21! So great to hear it continues to have meaning.
Mr. Alexie, I think your work will/should be understood within context of "significant American writers." It's that good.
Thank you.
Really like this piece, especially liked what it takes to survive as an Indian pilgrim/pioneer, the contradiction.
Powerful
Thank you!
Your words, as always, profoundly affect me. I myself have no words, thank you Sherman.
Thank you, Steve.
Awe Beautiful, best wishes.
Thank you, Sara.
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.
Thank you, Kate.
I’ve read this poem 5x and I’m going to come back 5 more times. Exquisitely honest!
Thank you for the kind words. Jillian.
Very powerful, very moving.
Thank you, Mark.
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!
Thank you, Charles. Therapy and prescribed medicine greatly helps me.
I am glad to hear that. Plenty of writer friends battle with those "noonday demons". I expect you know a few. I sometimes feel as if the muse likes to extract a price. Be well.
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.
Thank you, Nolan. I wish you strenth in you struggles.
I'm good, thank you Sherman. I want to stick around for as long as possible just to see how this whole crazy thing plays out!
Same as me!
Listening through my tears. So beautiful and sad. Thank you Sherman
Thank you, Karen.
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!
Thank you, Rick. I don't think I'd write a book like that. I've mentioned it elsewhere in these comments. One of the best books about living with depression is Andrew Solomon's The Noonday Demon. https://andrewsolomon.com/books/the-noonday-demon/