I’m Mad, Me

I’m mad, me
completely barking
lost the plot
got no marbles left in my head
(though I’ve plenty of coloured balls)

I’m the scourge of society
a waste of precious space
the underbelly
a statistic
a fear
seen only in headlines
and community groups

I’m the girl you spoke to down the pub last night
the one you bought a drink
played some pool
had a laugh with

I sat with you on the bus
listened to you talk about your day
even spoke a bit myself

Remember last week?
you met me out shopping

I served you your food

I’m mad, me
And you?
If you believe that I’m an object of ridicule?
It’s obvious, my friend
You’re a fool

Rachel Studley © 2003