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BrodskyÂs Psychiatrist on a Good Day
by Lisa Marie Brodsky
She seems more alert today. Looks me
straight in the eye. None of this
Peanut-butter stuck stuttering
& vague phrases that sit like balloons
neither rising nor falling.
Just a change in dosage makes
Her growl, but she quickly turns
From animal to scared child.
"I dont want to be on anymore meds."
She reminds me of a printer
Something else tells her what to say
And she feeds it through, eyes closed
Head turned away in disgust. You would
Think she thought something that
Smelled like valerian root.
Today I note that she sits up straight
& wears slacks & a matching
Blouse, not sweatshirts w/stains
And jeans jeans jeans.
Her arms are clean, as she told
Me they would be. Shes changing
Her diet, she says, & is very excited
About becoming healthier.
Becoming is the key word. She wants
To become, which is better
Than wanting to end.
Toward the end of our appt.
After we have raised one med
By 10mg & we smile our polite
Goodbyes, she stops me and turns glassy-eyed:
I dont want to go back.
Her breath is foul the taste
Of post-crying. I can do nothing but nod
Pat her on the back & send her
On her way.
02/05/2005 Posted on 02/05/2005
Copyright © 2024 Lisa Marie Brodsky
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Rachelle Howe on 04/20/11 at 10:40 PM I think with some careful editing this could have some real strength. If you read it without the dialogue the flow is much better. |
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