February 11, 2012

Pediatric Suicide

Being who you are is not a disorder.


Being unloved is not a psychiatric disorder.


I can't find being born in the diagnostic manual.


I can't find being born to a mother incapable of touching you.


I can't find being born on the shock treatment table.


Being offered affection unqualified safety and respect when
          and only when you score dope for your father is
         not a diagnosis. 


Putting your head down and crying your way through elementary 
        school is not a mental illness, on the contrary.


And seeing a psychiatrist for fifteen minutes per month


some subdoormat psychiatrist writing for just what you
          need lots more drugs.


to pay his mortgage Lexus lease and child's future tuition
          while pondering which wine to have for
          dinner is not effective


treatment for friendless and permanent sadness.


Child your sick smile is the border of sleep.


Abandoned naked and thrown to the world is not a disease.


She was unhappy just as I was only not as lucky.
        


Franz Wright.