Stigma

By Brighid Aime

PROMPT — I will not rest until ...

Stigma is a force

In much need of recourse

Drawn by the masses

Carried through systems and classes.

Sensitive.

Soulful.

Manic.

And Sad.

Things people call you when they know that you're mad.

"She's bipolar."

I guess no one told them to Stop.

Please. just. stop.

You wouldn't say "she's cancer".

So why is it expected I WOULD answer?

"HI, MY NAME IS BIPOLAR."

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For Brighid Aime, nature, spirituality and the juxtaposed micro/macrocosms of the Tao are primary sources of inspiration. Experimentation with poetry, mindfulness and the arts allow healthy expression of her fantasies. She believes weaving the unseen depths into consciousness is both a personal process of creation and an opportunity to connect polarities toward the center. Brighid is an advocate for psychospiritual wellness and is proud to be the visionary behind Purpose in Place, a Reprieve Centre for those facing psychiatric diagnoses. She writes from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.