Written for: Imaginary Gardens With Real Toads – April Day 23
“An Antic Disposition” – The Mind (posted by Kerry)
Since today is the anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth and death, I have delved into the archives to read up on what he had to say about madness… a favoured theme in several plays and poems. I came across an interesting article, to be found HERE for those who are interested. I have also provided a few memorable quotes, but they are by no means prescriptive.
Our focus for this prompt is The Mind: those troubles of the brain, shaping fantasies and antic dispositions which make us human.
“I am a very foolish, fond old man,
Fourscore and upward,
Not an hour more nor less; and to deal plainly,
I fear I am not in my perfect mind.”
(from King Lear)
If I am not in my perfect
mind, am I in someone
else’s? Do they have
the same criteria?
Is hysteria madness or
merely a vent to air
out smoke–blood pressure
solution without pill
pollution side effects.
If I stew over the possibility
of becoming mad, what signs
would I look for to know my mind
has slipped over the edge
of a ledge?
If you “stew” it is probably a sign you are fine. Perhaps it’s those who don’t stew at all !
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Okay. I’m going with your theory. Thanks so much, Margaret!
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Pertinent, unanswerable questions!
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Aren’t they annoying?? 😄
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Fun reading, Sara. I worry about losing my mind by forgetting things. But I can’t remember then it won’t matter.
..
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This is so true. I think the surrounding people are far more upset than the one experiencing the loss. Thanks, Jim.
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I think as long as we’re wondering, we are probably still sane, lol.
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One can always hope!
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I agree. When we wonder we are fine. If our minds slip off the ledge and we just roll with it and never question, then we are in trouble.
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Unless we are unaware of it!
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This is brilliant! I agree with Sherry and Toni… as long as we contemplate .. we are fine 💜
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Thanks so much, Sanaa. Let’s keep on contemplating!
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As long as the madness doesn’t sneak up on you – if it does, get your pen and write.
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A wise piece of advice from the sage Buddah!
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If I lost my mind
do I contact the police?
Do they have a lost and found for minds?
>
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😉
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I often wonder where I’ve lost my mind.
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Hope it turns up someplace exciting!
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No way to know for sure, and maybe just a blessing, when we can’t handle the present moment?
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It always looks different from the inside out.
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I think you may have something there!
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kaykuala
what signs
would I look for to know my mind
has slipped over the edge
of a ledge?
Dementia is a cruel slip into the unknown that one will not know until seen by someone else happening to us!
Hank
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