so i was just wondering, who writes poetry as a coping mechanism? during my last hospital stint that was all i wrote...kind of like my outlet and the nursing staff loved reading them.

Yeah, I like being creative..it's a distraction, but also an expression of how I'm feeling & where I am in that moment. I tend to dabble in a lot of different things; poetry or writing in general, drawing, needle felting, crocheting, jewelry making, etc..currently I'm into mandalas.

I'd love to read something you've written..feel free to post it or send me a pm, if you're comfortable sharing something.

yeah no worries... this one is in free verse and i wrote it after i had my 3rd LP and was all kinda new.

SUFFERING SILENTLY

no-one understands how much it hurts,
to be told 'i'm over it' or 'you look fine'
i've given up saying when my head will explode
i get an icepack, go to bed and suffer silently.

landed in the ED
i warned them i'm a tough stick.
Cute doctor! well they don't ever believe me
Here, alone by myself suffering silently

get admitted to my favourite ward-B7
my third lumbar puncture and i'm absolutely terrified
but on the outside i look as calm as still water
i know the routine.

back on B7, sleeping the entire day away
but really only one hour has passed me by
Crap! really bad post-puncture headache
still suffering silently coz i'm no bell ringer

finally get home and i hope and pray that
a cure, medication, something is invented by my next LP
like the 52 other australians with IIH
we will suffer silently!

this is also free verse and written when i was admitted over easter

*no title yet*

the air is cold like a winter morning
and somehow the starkness keeps me warm
the blanket and the sheets
whiter than frosty the snowman

mattress and pillow soft like a bunny
the running water of the shower
reminds me of a waterfall
in these four walls, nature is around me
observation at its best.

Nice! It seems to be very therapuetic for you..thanks for sharing!!