“BLACK DOG” OF DEPRESSION IN POETRY

By Kermit Klaerner

          In the October 1, 2003, Mental Health Matters column, I wrote about the “black dog” of depression from Kathy Cronkite’s book On the Edge of Darkness.

Kathy writes:  “I’m afraid that the black dog has really got me.  But this dog, this dog!  It crouches in the corner of the room, waits for me to make a move.  Or lies at the foot of the bed, like a shadow, until I try to get up.  Growls, and will not let me up.”

          Recently I received an email all the way from Welland Ontario, Canada.  The email was a poem written by Ronald A. West which vividly describes this crouching animal.  Following is the poem:

Black Dog

                                      It crouches in my mind;

                                      Fixed eyes threaten attack;

                                      A scent of overwhelming sadness

                                      again invites it back.

                                      Black dog drains my interest--

                                      fatigue I cannot fight.

                                      Guilt sweeps upon me;

                                      Helplessness his bite.

                                      I lack the will to fight him;

                                      I lack the need to win;

                                      I have no use for rising;

                                      it’s simpler to sleep in.

                                      Black dog senses anxiety;

                                      my fears as pleasure pales

                                      With neither need nor ability

                                      to face more life travails.

                                      Again I face tomorrow

                                      with helplessness and fear;                                                                                   Knowing well the lesson

                                      that every life is dear.

                                      I know not the reason

                                      why I simply sit and weep.

                                      Black thoughts, deep depression

                                      into my mind do creep;

                                      Black dog cower, slyly slink away.

                                      Again to resist temptation

                                      and face yet another day.

Dedicated to those that face depression and win the day!  Ron.

          A thank you to Ron for sharing this poem with us.  Not only do I endorse his dedication of this poem to those who face depression and win the day, but I salute these individuals who fight to gain their rightful place in our communities in spite of hard odds that continuously make them want to isolate themselves.  Those who overcome their bouts with depression are true warriors!

Kermit F. Klaerner is the executive director of the Mental Health Association in Abilene.  Mental Health Matters is sponsored by the Mental Health Association, phone (325) 673-2300, e-mail mhaa@bitstreet.com.  Need help?  Call the Hope Line (325) 677-7773.