Lock box

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I'm thankful that in the years since I wrote this poem, so much has changed for the better--thanks to therapy, medication, and the tender support of friends.

Painting by my youngest daughter. Poem first posted here.

I set the combination for a lock box today.
They told us to lock up our medications
locking up the temptation, we hope
for our child to take her own life.

Life box. Safe box. Stay with me box.

Not a bad box, not a good box. 
Just a box that's needed
when the dark voices hiss
Don't be here. No one wants you here.

Quiet box. Danger box. Lock up the whispers box.

We latch tight the remedies 
that help with depression 
and digestion and congestion 
and obsession.
Things that heal 
can also harm our child.

Paradox box.