I couldn’t live in your world
exist in the shadows where you dwell
your reality covered in mist
like a gray fog that never lifts
pulled in by an illness that doesn’t show
on the outside

What is it like to be you
to have people keep their distance
to get quizzical looks from things you say
to not have many friends or any lovers

To be alone

You are so brave
to go on day after day
and make do with puzzle pieces
that never quite fit

How is it that when the good things in life
were dealt out
you got shortchanged
though you don’t seem to lament
your situation

I know you see things in a different way
you are content with a cup
that is never full
and you enjoy what you enjoy

Your place in this universe
must be a special one

Editor’s Note: This poem is one of a few published to Refuat Hanefesh by Joanne touching on the life of her brother and his mental illness. Please see Joanne’s author page for further moving pieces and check back for the continued publishing of Joanne’s work.

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Joanne Jagoda

After retiring in 2009, one inspiring writing workshop launched Joanne Jagoda of Oakland, California on an unexpected writing trajectory. Her short stories, poetry and nonfiction appear on-line and in print anthologies including A Poet’s Siddur, Pure Slush, Better After 50. and Persimmon Tree Magazine. In 2015, her poem, “Mr. Avocado Man” was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Joanne continues taking a variety of Bay Area writing classes, enjoys Zumba, traveling and spoiling her seven grandchildren, who call her “Savta.”

Latest posts by Joanne Jagoda (see all)

• The Visit - April 15, 2018
• Two Sisters Clearing The One Bedroom - February 25, 2018
• Your World - January 28, 2018