The truth behind mental health

 Woke up today with a tired mind,  Took the train with a sulky face.  Waited for the van, heart full of nerves,  Went to church — wore a smile with grace. They prayed for me, then sent me back.  It took a while to face the truth.  Step by step, and leap by leap,  I rose again — reclaimed my roots. Oh my God! I whispered low, Somebody just blessed me.  With a grateful heart, I breathed it in,  And welcomed it, gently. “One step at a time,” I told myself,  “It’s not as easy as it seems.”  But day by day, I’ll walk this path —  With burning hope and steady dreams. Written by Jocelyn Ng Shu Yee 

  4 a.m. — my dear sleep was compromised, I woke with a jolt, heart beating fast. Tried to drift back, But my thoughts ran wild, spiraling past. I turned to music, Grasped the tune, Hummed along, And let the rhythm fill the room. Oh, my sweet sleep, Where do you hide your grace tonight? I close my eyes, But my mind still circles, chasing light. 6 a.m. now — time to rise, "Come on, lady, don’t be shy." I breathe in deep, I soften the pace, Build myself up with quiet grace.

  Oh, how much more can I say, A piece that flows like a mighty sea Like a bird being set free, To be eternally unchained from this bondage. There’s a fire burning in my heart, Every heartbeat, every breath I took It is like filling my lungs with fresh air, Where, hence has my mind gone to? Breathtaking is sadness that does not last forever, Armed with a sword and a shield I fight this fight till my last breath, With every moment, day and night. All this light that shines so bright, It gives me hope when I am down in the darkest hole. Hand in hand together in combat, I shall win this tremendous battle.  Written by Jocelyn Ng Shu Yee