Ingenuity In The Psych Ward

This poem is about the amazing potential in every psychiatric patient, and how even their challenging/harmful behaviors show such ingenuity, spirit, and creativity if looked at in a different light. All of the behaviors described were things I did while in the psych ward. People who are struggling with their mental illness are often struggling to find how to use their talents, their energy in a productive/positive way, to harness their energies and passions. I'm so glad that I've found my place with social work! I hope that reading it you will see that beyond "mentally ill" people's challenging behaviors is unlimited potential!

Ingenuity In The Psych Ward

Strip me naked

But I can still hide things,

I could've been an actress.

I'll take this pen apart
I found the spring, it's sharp!
I could've been an inventor.

Snap this plastic spoon jagged,
Because this life runs me ragged.
(I earned my finger food)
I could've been a cook.

White-out over "FULL"
I snuck some paint from the craft room,
To check the "DNR" box.
I could've been a painter.

I hid a razor in my shoe
Found a blind spot in the room,
I could've been a spy.

Took a ribbon from my waist
To tie around my face,
Pulled it tight 'til all the air escaped.
I could've been a tailor.
I could've been sane.