The New Leprosy Poem
The New Leprosy I often think of leprosy when I think of the mentally ill. A true Health disparity still. Sitting alone, while we sit on a hill They sit in group homes In jails, a tiny cell, an underpass, a tent.....a hell. All because they are different but they are sick all the same But as a society we treat them isolated, mame They beg, they plead We say set boundaries, they bleed. They bleed on the inside While we tell ourselves There is a divide. They made their choice long ago But they don't choose much No one wants their brain to loose touch We sit on our soap box for so many Yelling inclusion, diversity, and acceptance They don't get any. They stare off if medicated right Like a zombie with no might If not they speak to the air, Some violent, lack care Some friendly, some mean. But they are people, they should be seen. They deserve dignity and respect as we all do. Not like a leper not like a shrew Ignored, alone, isolated Cast down, cast aside. No solution