I am a life preserver.
I remember standing on the edge to the abyss alone.
As my feet carefully slide along the edge, I see one.
When this one agrees, I reach out with my emotional arm, grasp their elbow, and we lock arms.
Together we inch our way back and down.
Once on safe ground, I take inventory.
My tool is simple, a mirror.
“A red velvet, weighted mantle of shame appeared on your shoulders as you walked off the psych ward,” I explain.
I shine the mirror to show the mantel.
They see on it in black letters all the words for crazy; nuts, psycho, loony, etc.
They see the silver clasp engraved with the word “CRAZY”.
“This is what has been weighing you down,” I explain.
I build a fire using the mantle when they take it off.
As we watch it burn, I tell this one, “you got this”.
I shine the mirror to show their true beauty.
I watch them fly.
I smile.
Mental Health Warrior 