Written for:  November 2022 PAD Chapbook Challenge - Day 10

"For today's prompt, write a struggle poem. For some people, every day is a struggle. But with what? Or with whom? Or how is it a struggle? Maybe it's writing a poem; maybe it's making ends meet; or perhaps it's just finding something to occupy your time and interest. I hope today's poem is not a struggle to write."


I try to use my sense of humor
to maintain sanity when visiting
this sad place where confusion looms.

A smile or hello can prove uplifting,
and may elicit a response in kind.
I watch all the patients drifting

into other rooms, coming out with finds–
they all take each other's clothes and shoes.
No one seems to notice or mind.

Handing out candy subdues the blues.
One woman tried to take my coat,
when nurse took it, she pushed me–a short fuse.

To ease frustration, some will emote.
After visits, you come to understand.
You pray you'll never be in that boat.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2022-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-10