Chapstick and an Arrow

By Alexandra S Berrocal

Chapstick and an Arrow is a book of poetry about mental health, family, and growing up in modern day America. Be prepared to be delighted, because even non-fans of poetry will be won over by my prose-like verse.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alexandra Berrocal
• Release date: Jul 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9798330261994

Book preview

1

Mental Health

Metanoia

I stare at the computer screen. It shows me the link, ‘‘Considering suicide? Click here first

I clicked

The web page said there was no shame in suicide

But it’s what happens when your pain

Outweighs your coping resources

There was a picture of scales

Like Libra

So I walked to Mom’s room

Sat on her mauve bedspread

She was ironing

A mirror at her back

Mom? I’ve been contemplating suicide.

She hugged me, scheduled an appointment

With my therapist

It would be a long journey home

2

Wonder Woman

I ask my Mom

If I can see my therapist

She always says no

Says we can’t afford it

I know there’s medication

For times like these

But my Mom wants me to be strong

Not addicted

Like Wonder Woman

I sometimes peek into the attic

At the lasso of truth

My destiny

I wonder what sort of truth

It would reveal

If I hanged myself with it

Or what evil in me would be

Conquered if I impaled myself

With the sword

But no matter,

Here’s to another day

With chronic pain.

3

In Another Universe

It was a day like any other,

That’s what they always say.

I am putting books away

In the library shelf.

After school,

I am a Library Page.

Though I dream,

Of being

A Squire.

I am putting away books.

I spot one with a green cover.

Looking around,

I crack the spine

And suddenly I want my life

To be mine.

I want to go to Argentina.

I want to look at the night sky.

I want to hike the Appalachians.

During school hours

I know it will never be.

I will never really live.

I might as well be dead,

Without dying.

And that is the nature of the beast

4

Injustice

The