I Forgot to Laugh
A poem about the heartbreak of depression:
To those who know depression
I just remembered I forgot to laugh
Last year and the year before.
It’s been so long I can’t remember.
It’s been so long, I’ve forgotten how.
But I want to laugh again.
You know, that laugh that takes your breath.
You know, that laugh that makes your stomach ache.
The one that makes you cry.
The one that makes you tingle.
You know, that laugh you can’t control.
I forgot to think about being happy
For a while. A very long while.
It’s been so long I can’t remember.
It’s been so long, I’ve forgotten how.
But I want to be happy again.
You know, that happy you feel when your child does well.
You know, that happy you feel when the one you love is happy.
The happy that makes you smile.
The happy that makes you sigh.
You know, the happy you can’t control.
Chuck, I have had what is called 'major depression' for as long as I can recall, guessing since 1963, about when it was discovered that my mom was suffering from schizophrenia, and sanity kind of fractured in our family. So, I have an idea of what you speak. Pills, face-to-face and online therapy, and ECT have all helped some.
That is so beautifully written Chuck. I suspect a lot of people can relate, especially now. Keep writing my friend. Have a good weekend