The Truth About Schizophrenia Poem by Claudia Krizay

Lying here awakening
While the rest of the world is sleeping,
I can hear strangers speaking-
For more than a moment in passing,
Their voices are soft but ominous-
As would be a breeze whispering
In the dawn of the early springtime-although becoming
As fierce as the strength of a hurricane
Or as destructive just in the moment
As a tornado that approaches without warning.
I attempt to ward them away.
They would never cease their threats, as would
Menacing insects- they are not afraid, as they seemingly hover about me.
Here at my bedside, it is an early winter’s morning-
I lie in total darkness- not only amidst the darkness of the sky
Outside my picture window, but amidst the darkness of my trepidation-
The voices come alive inside the world of my delusions-
Shadows cast upon the wall before me are
Seemingly dancing to the dirge that repeats inside
The fortress of my mind.
Bells ring and people scream relentlessly - ghosts and hellions-
At all times the enemies, are commanding and threatening-
I am always the victim- I live in fear.
Lying here awake,
While the rest of the world sleeps-
I converse with my shadow that appears upon the ceiling.
It speaks to me, it’s conniving words, until
It disappears with the rising of the sun.
The day begins for everyone at sunrise, however
My days have no beginning or no end-
My life is an uphill journey-
A pathway never ending.