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I see the darkness
Coming for me
So I run hard
Run fast
Run for days

Finally, faint I fall
And curl
And wait

Darkness moves
Moves constantly
So I know
If I can hold
Hold on
This too will pass

But that is the question,
How long?

Someone,
Who has never really known this darkness
Told me,
Just pray
As if I hadn't thought of that
Years ago

Chin up,
Eyes up
Look up
Buck up
All good words
That mean nothing in the darkness

The storm arrives
With chaos
Too many
Thoughts to
Straighten
Out
Yet no thoughts at all.

The only advice
Hold on
I grasp a branch and
Won't let go
It's my connection to this earth
To this world
This life

I have been here before
Many times
Too many times
But I have learned

Hold on
Don't let go
The darkness moves
Constantly
And this will pass

The winds weaken
I am weakened
But I have survived
Another storm

It will not be my last
Of this I am certain
With each passing
I do grow stronger
More resolved.

From each session
I emerge
Not as some conqueror,
Some valiant victor
But simply a survivor
Of another deep session….

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A poem I wrote about a poorly understood condition, depression.
I share it in the hopes that those who struggle with their own personal darkness can know that there are others who understand and in the hopes that they might be encouraged to press through, to hold on. It is also my hope that those who are fortunate enough to not know what it is like to be overwhelmed by such dark storms might be able to briefly glimpse behind the veil.

Written by: Larry Fletch; United States; Contributor väcka