I'm brought to the ward
In my sleep
I'm confused
I'm asked to strip
I won't allow it
And so it begins.

I'm in the ward,
I'm protesting,
Military hospital,
I'm brought to a padded cell
I fall to my knees
Frightened and crying.

I'm in the ward,
Singing and dancing
Some scared,
Some enchanted,
One angered
She strikes me with a weapon,
A household mug,
I cry and cry.

I'm in the ward,
The best place
To  meet people,
To make friends,
To make someone's day
With a smile.

I'm in the ward,
I've made a friend
And told not to befriend
"Don't talk to her"
He warns.
Am I danger?
Am I a shame?

I'm in the ward,
I feel for these
Fragile women.
I want to help them.
I would be the only one
Who does.

I'm in the ward,
I'm called names.
Who am I
To complain?
I'm panicking,
And laughed at
By staff.

I'm in the ward
I am guided through
Meditation.
It brings me out of
Panic.
Eternally grateful.

I leave the ward
And tears fill my eyes.
I'm going home,
And hope to never return.
But we don't plan these things.
They just are,
And we just are.