Ode to My Brain

A poem of thanks

Photo Credit: Original Image

First poem as part of the #writeyourheartout writing challenge; participants agree to/challenge themselves to write a poem each day for 20 days.

Racing. Swirling.

You keep me always on the go; ever twirling.

You never stop; you can’t fathom how to “rest.”

Sometimes I just want to turn you off; I know I can’t; ’tis all in jest.

Positive, negative; intent has no bounds.

When I need to recall something precisely, the words can never be found.

You sputter and stutter and surely should be fired.

Too many mistakes on record, to ever be rehired.

I can numb you, ignore you, and what you scream at me you need.

But you never go away or give up; a true friend, indeed.

I’ve degraded you, and belittled you, and called you more names than I can count.

But you’re the only one I can rely on, at the end of the day — there’s no way out.

I’m tired of fighting. I want us to live in peace.

So rather than resisting, let me instead renew your lease.

You take care of me, even when I don’t want or seek your aid.

You never leave me alone; you won’t let me stay afraid.

I know you’ll always be there; it used to annoy me.

I wanted to change you, erase you —

I hated you for keeping unwanted memories.

But through it all, I’m glad you’ve stuck around.

Given the alternative, there’s no better place to be found.

I hope you’ll forgive me, especially for taking you for granted.

You’re the best friend I could have ever hoped for; my faith in you is now firmly planted.

So here’s to you, dear brain of mine.

Thank you for keeping me alive and thoughtful; always reminding me to be kind.

I know future growth and some memories may yet be painful,

but I’m comforted by the fact that you’ll always lift me up, if ever things become untenable.

I suppose in summary, all that’s left is to say,

I’m so grateful to you, my dear brain

For keeping me safe, loved, and sane.