• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

Writers of Kern

Everything Writers Need | Writers of Kern

  • About Us
    • History
    • Membership
    • Newsletter Archive
    • Officers & Chairs
    • Overview
  • Upcoming Events
  • Jump In
    • Attend a Workshop
    • Become a Member
    • Get the Guide: The Best Places to Write in Bakersfield
    • See Upcoming Events
    • Submit a Speaker Proposal
  • Blog
  • Members
    • Books by Members
    • Join a Critique Group
    • Pay Dues
    • Request a Sunshine Card
  • Become a Member
  • WOK Press
  • Contact
    • Stay Connected
  • Donate
  • Show Search
Hide Search

Depression

April 29, 2017 By Guest

When food doesn’t have a taste.
My existence is a waste.
My face a fake smile I paste.
The pain won’t erase.

When shame has a face.
Contentment has no place.
My sanity I chase.
I’m losing this race.

STOP!
Breathe!
How do I stop falling?

When my mind is reeling .
This world is not appealing.
The clock keeps ticking.
The tears are dripping.

When I’m not at my best.
Dark shadows cause unrest.
My soul I detest.
They say this is a test.

STOP!
Breathe again.
How do I go on?

When my existence is frail.
My mind is a jail.
Misery is a special hell.
Will I live to tell a tale.

When I feel I’ll fade.
The devil is paid.
My bleak bed is made.
The cards are all played.

STOP!
Take a minute to breathe.
One.
Two.
Three.
Where do I go from here?

When my failings become an obsession.
My pain leads to aggression.
Life feels like oppression.
I sink deeper into my depression.

—Donnée Harris

Donnée Harris is a former reporter, novelist, blogger and a poet. She writes erotic romance novels and has published three novels including Prohibited: an erotic novel. She has a BA in Journalism from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana and is a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority.

Filed Under: Poetry Tagged With: National Poetry Month

Copyright © 2025 · Writers of Kern · Website by Hypist

  • Advertise
  • Submissions
  • Speakers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Policies & Procedures
  • Contact