Together, UK Mental Health Charity working alongside each person with mental health issues on their journey towards greater wellbeing. Trusted experts in service user involvement
‘My support worker is brilliant.’
Poems
Dip into our selection of moving and amusing poems by people who use Together's mental health services.
Chocolate about
‘No chocolate about?’ says my mother,
But of course I find it
Hidden amongst the other stuff on her tray.
As we get older we need to remember
That everything is here.
There is nothing missing.
Wherever we are
We know deep down
That there is still chocolate about,
There is always chocolate about.
Roger Faulkner, Sittingbourne
The lost children
Consider yourself and don't be afraid,
Think of the love that God has made.
Kind thoughts and words from people are few,
Come my friend you know what to do.
Happiness and love are what I seek.
Blessed are the happy, the kind and the meek.
Genuine people: there aren't many.
Love and friendship don't cost a penny.
So I say to those who hold the key,
Noone in this world cares more than me.
And so I stay awake at night,
Praying for love and all that is right.
Please God almightly, be kind to us all,
Then we will break no bones when we fall.
John James Fraserr, Essex
The meadow
The sleeping meadow lay under the moon.
Bali, you are so beautiful,
and you make this meadow beautiful.
The humming bird,
the jay the cricket enhance the stars.
Sleep, my beauty, as the rocket ship laces across the sky,
a dream for you and I.
Thomas E Murphy, Bournemouth Does your mind sometimes wander
During meetings at work
Or conversations at home?
Have trouble remembering friends' phone numbers?
Are you often down in the dumps for no apparent reason?
Changing your diet can help you think
More clearly and feel better
Your food can make you feel better about yourself.
Kenneth, Ipswich
Fascination
Way up high against the blue sky I can fly.
Beneath me, fluffy white clouds
Where I become unseen.
Like a soft melody
The wind breathes a tune.
I look down at the beauty of the Earth.
The clashing hues of changing colour.
Like irregular tides of the sea
From calm to stormy.
On land the leaves of plants and trees
Change in the breeze.
With the movement of life
From the fluttering of wings
That glides in the air.
To fish flashing in the sea:
And the movement of animals
That inhabit the land.
With bewilderment I wonder
Why does our life take on such a fast pace?
All this fascinates me
As I look down from way up high.
Sandra Page, Sheerness
'I attend the day centre in my progress to get better and to make friends. I live on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent and my hobbies are astronomy, gardening and writing poetry. I am trying to produce another magazine getting input from other people who use the service.’
The barmaid
Her straps were visible
Silvery white this time.
I made the lads laugh
As she turned away to serve a beer.
‘There’s something different about her, tonight.’
(Pause) ‘She almost always wears a black bra,
Even when she's this side of the bar.’
‘It's true,’ said the lad on the stool.
She returned and insisted on knowing
The cause of the laughter.
She looked slightly disappointed.
Because we have mostly talked about poetry
Does she imagine I have some kind of purity. Roger Faulkner, Sittingbourne
Friday 4th July 2003
Friday the fourth was very bad
It was the day I went quite mad.
Many tablets I did take,
Hoping I would never wake.
A friend did call and finding me in trouble
Got me to the hospital at the double.
The receptionist welcomed me with a smile.
She took my name, said take a seat, the doctor will see you in a while.
Then a doctor came and got us
And I felt silly for making such a fuss.
First on one machine, and then another
For a minute, I thought I saw my mother.
Then too a side ward I did wait
While other people discussed my fate.
The two ward nurses were very kind
These days angels are hard to find.
Next to an ambulance with Darren and Dave
To Blackheath a ride they gave.
We arrived an hour and a half later
I wanted to be swallowed up by a crater.
To the Cygnet wing we were sent
I thanked Darren and Dave and then they went.
Here I am far from home
Feeling very nervous and on my own.
The staff here are nice and charming
Not judgemental on my harming.
Everyone who comes and goes
Always smile and say ‘hello’.
While I'm here just sitting and talking
I have indeed learnt one thing.
Life is what you make it, there’s no opting out
Wake up and smell the roses and give a big shout.
I've turned a corner, life goes on.
If I'm wrong, then my name’s not Don.
It will be hard, it won't be easy
But with help from my friends, I'll make it. You'll see.
Donald Brown, St Leonards on Sea
In Transit (Psychiatric Ward)
Corridors of fag-ashed floors
Shambling gait, rounded shoulders.
Coughs and growls behind closed doors.
Slumped in chairs, seem much older.
Filter tips lie scattered here,
As old seeds on stony ground.
Cancer's something not to fear
In the mental lost and found.
Music's playing far too loud.
Conversation's hard at best.
Be alone when two's a crowd.
Medication gives no rest.
Spot the patient, spot the staff,
Sometimes it's hard to tell.
A name tag, a high-pitched laugh.
Or are we all in Hell?
Buzzers buzz, alarm bells ring.
Someone's off the rails again.
Nurses running - needle stings.
Unconscious we seem so sane.
Medication time - whoopee!!
Where would we be without?
Bit more down - bit more loopy.
Or within, lesser doubts.
Eric Jensen, Essex
Looking at a picture
You are a picture in my parlour
But I'd rather touch those hands and face
That were made in space
Instead of touching a picture Your hair it shows a brilliance divine
Fair makes me wish I could travel through time
To touch those locks and see them shine
Which is a reason for this rhyme.
A carer
A shephed holds a wooden crook
And is kneeling dogs at his feet
He is old and every wary
And on his face a burning duty to his sheep.
Chris A. Webb
Together Tenancy Support Service
'I am 45 years old. I have had a mental diagnosis for 25 years. I used to relapse every five years approximately but since I moved into supported housing I have remained well for the past 19 years. I also enjoy playing guitar and writing songs.'
Feeling so much more positive
I can now see what I've got to give
Trying my best to release my potential
Whatever it takes I'll give my all
Riding high on a natural high
I now feel I have won this fight
Overcoming this overwhelming situation
This runaway train has now stopped at the right station
This turbulent ride has now ceased
I'm over the moon and extremely pleased
I am now following the right path
Hoping this positive feeling will ever last
Starting to achieve
And regain my self belief
And realize I have good inside
I'm so happy I'm still alive
Thank you
Thank you for all your help
Thank you for helping me be myself
Cheers for never judging or shouting
And never criticising or doubting
For helping me through the bad times
For working with me to create a stable mind
Thank you for spending time with me
Cheers for helping me be more free
Helping me to progress and get better
Meeting me in all kinds of weather
Treating me with respect and compassion
Giving me advice and support with passion
There is only one thing left for me to say
Thank you so much for helping me every day.
Steven Cowley, Cheshunt
Getting Our Message Across
We want to see it happen
To be a thing of the past
We want hope for the future
A project that will last
And our wishes to come true
To be there for each other
And bring our services to you
A service to build our confidence
And show others that we care
To show those in Authority
We're not a bunch of nuts
And to get them to realise
We're not financial cuts
Georgina Walker, Sittingbourne
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