A Beautiful Madness Poem by Shirley Harrison

It is true that my only real universe
is the certifiable one
that lives inside my mind

but I still have space
space for possibility
the possibility to think and reflect
and to paint

madness, being my best friend
when he knocks on my door
I welcome him in, gladly

and we paint
we paint, almost as if
my heart be in my hand

we spread the joy
through tears of disgust and loneliness

together, eyes closed
brushing our next masterpiece

who cares if anybody likes it?
it's mine, hell it's ours?

and I shall find a place for it
maybe madness wants to take it home?
placing it on his very own mantelpiece?

I admit, I miss him dearly
when he has to leave
never knowing if he'll ever return?

but, he always does
and for today

i'm satisfied
with what we have achieved


this…


a beautiful madness.