Exactly right here, Dagmar. Find a way to express your emotions rather than bottling them up; be ready for it when comes. Depression doesn't magically disappear - it will follow you, as you point out. The trick is to accept that but find a way to beat it off when it calls, and not let it 'cloud your tomorrow'.

SL

Beautifully said Dagmar! Depression is one of those masked illnesses. Just because it's not always apparent on the surface doesn't mean it doesn't exist and isn't horribly debilitating to the person who suffers with this illness. I really like how you put it together about not allowing it to beat you and being able to find harmony with your constant shadow.

I'm glad you have found peace with it. I'd love to say writing helps, but sometimes it isn't always the answer in my case.
Very well written. Love the little bits of rhyming. Described it extremely well.!

Well done.

Hello Dagmar,

I like the structure of this poem. The first two stanzas are like an introduction, a forward if you like. It explains from your perspective on writing and how personal, how insular it can be.

The next stanzas flow in a more traditional way...

The metaphor for a life, your life is book, arguably the most personal book there is. In this book there is a dark shadow, like a stain from a glass of red wine that has marked every page. This shadow remains no matter how many pages are 'flipped' a reminder that depression is always lurking...

As with life there is balance and some pages are so colourful, so bright that they almost bleach the stain away - those days are worth remembering.

Just a note: In this line, 'there are ones they actually make you smile.'
^
I think the word 'they' maybe a typo - perhaps 'that'?

This poem is worth sharing, like a good book, it can inspire people to write and benefit for the cathartic properties. Writing, the best medicine there is.

Well done and keep writing...

((hugs))

Michael

Dagmar, your poetry always makes me feel the pain you've felt and i can only apologise that a truly wonderful lady like you had d to go through many heartaches and feel like this.depression is such b!*ch and some days better than others though believe truly goes.
You are a big inspiration to me.
Em

I think when a poem brings you in. When your feel that the emotions shared could be your own, then it's a great poem. I felt your pain. I find that pain or mental torment starts my creative instincts.