CASE HISTORY Poem by Mária Ferenčuhová

Father died aged 37 from heart disease,
mother living, son healthy,
psychiatric history
insignificant.
Common childhood illnesses,
no current treatment or medication,
stomach operation seven years ago:
internal injuries following stab wound.
Works as a freelancer, also a waitress.
Lives alone, in a hostel, smokes 10 cigarettes a day,
drinks 3 - 4 bottles of wine a week.
Found by a neighbour at dawn
on a balcony, half-naked
leaning over the railing
shouting that at last the time had come.
She is conscious,
capable of communicating,
disorientated,
using obscenities.
After 14 days of hospitalisation
stabilised, mood lightened,
response to medication excellent.
This morning released
to outpatient
care.