On Mental Illness

When was the last time that you cried
'Cos something moved you deep inside?
A loss of courage under strain?
A harsh remark, your soul in pain?

Such daily turmoil isn't good
Being fraught, misunderstood
You try to mask your doubts and fears;
Hunker down till the mist clears.

Though sympathy cannot be planned
A show of warmth, a helping hand
From others reading between lines
Can bring a sparkle to such minds.

But we're mostly busy on the Net
Earphones absorb us, we neglect
Those whose inner demons fight
To turn their days to darkest night.

Medication, pills, advice
Only skate the surface ice
Depression creeps up unawares
An aching feeling no one cares...

A world away from Smart phone screen
Such crying hearts cannot be seen
Outsiders don't know how they feel
But their sufferings are real...

(c) Poet in the woods 2018