We talk about greatness
A person doing
Extraordinary things
Beyond normal ability
Like they're super human.
Overlooking people
In our rush
Moving through life
Doing everyday things
Taken for granted.
Only stepping back
Upon reflection
Do we see
The extraordinary ordinary
Come forth.
In offering
An understanding ear
That's non-judgemental
To people
In mental crisis.
Rebuilding bridges
Towards stability
Until they're accessing
Professional help.
Simple sounding task
Many don't have
Necessary patience
For this.
Navigating a system
Often leaves one
Feeling frustrated
With various barriers
To overcome.
And yet
There they are
On the frontline
Fighting the war.
Where no one sees
The emotional mental
And physical cost
Behind closed doors
To them.
Please don't wait
For days like
Nelson Mandela
International Day
To honour them.
Therisa © 2018
Author's note: This poem is dedicated to those people, who are the real heroes, in the mental health war, friends and family. Even strangers, who open their hearts to those, in need.
Part of the Poets United’s midweek motif writing prompt: Greatness / in honor of Nelson Mandela International day)
