MANIC WATERS

Two weeks ago
I went to the hospital
To the psychiatric ward

Acutely manic
Consumed by visions

I am still flying
Still swimming in manic waters
This river pregnant with possibility
But permeated by pain

I am rooted in old shame
Shame of past mistakes
Shame of being a burden

Overwhelming family
Those who love most fiercely

I long for my spirit brother
But I fear becoming too much
The wreckage of my past
Weighs like a nightmare

Mania brings big emotions
Euphoria and creative flow
Insight and intuition
But also searing pain

I remember so much carnage
Relationships destroyed
Emotional casualties
Friends unable to survive my manias

I swim in manic waters
Feeling tides of emotion
Leaning on so many
But afraid of being a burden

These waters cleans
This river can heal
But I must feel the extremes
Contending with angels and demons
And yearn for equilibrium

art by @miboso on X
–BYPO PHOENIX c)2026