Like balloons
Full of air and flying
Our happy life goes on from day to day
But when depression strikes us
Deflated we fall to earth
Withdrawn within the cave of self
Struck dumb we cannot talk
Others try to help us
Give reasons we should live
Encourage or cajole us
Would give if they could give
But we are deaf to reason
We cannot raise a cheer
The spark has just gone out of us
The end the end we fear
But healing is not far away
It is waiting at the door
The threshold of your house
Where other spirits soar
The one demand – you take that step
Come out into the sun
Take a tablet possibly
And talk now to someone
The healing way is counselling
Talking with another
Who stands beside you resolute
Kindness at your shoulder
And helps unravel twisted life
So you can say it plain
My life is good and I am good
With all its joy and pain
Brian Fahy
22 February 2022
Erris Poetry 