Racing Thoughts

I really wanted to paint a portrait of the way that it feels when I'm spiraling out of control due to my ADHD or my depression. As much as I adore words, they just weren't quite powerful enough to capture the emotions on their own, so I decided to take it one step further.

The best way I could imagine to do so was with concrete poetry (also called "shape poetry"). The shape I chose is a simple spiral to emphasize how intrusive and racing thoughts often circle back on themselves. I will transcribe the poem below for those who use screen readers and other accessibility devices.

Racing Thoughts

When people talk

About their thoughts

Racing

Does that mean

There will be a winner?

My thoughts

Mostly

Just run in circles

Chasing each other

Down the drain

In the dark.

Do you think

The darkness

Ever wishes

It could be

The light?

I think it might.

What a drain

That would be

Right?

Constantly wishing

You could be

Something you aren't

Just because

What you are

Is the loser

Of the popularity contest.

Or should I say

Race?