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“My name is Caroline Fowler and I am from Boothbay Harbor, Maine. I am a junior, studying nursing at Endicott College. I have recently been studying psychiatric nursing and working on a mental health unit where I got the inspiration to write this poem to describe the mind of a schizophrenic patient.”

Schizophrenia

Caroline Fowler

Don’t you dare look down
Look at the mess
You’ve made
I can’t find the right numbers on the
chart
You’re a disgrace
Imagine what people think of you
I can’t hear what she is asking me
Don’t you dare look at the wall to your
left
I think she asked what the date was
I can’t believe the mess you’ve made
What’s behind me?
Don’t look behind you
This is why no one loves you
Imagine being as gross as you are
I ask her what she just asked me
I still can’t find the right numbers
Just give up already,
Your effort is pitiful.

— Caroline Fowler

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