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Hiraeth

Hiraeth: noun (especially in Wales or Welsh culture) Spiritual longing for a home which maybe never was.

By Alyson Smith Published 2 years ago • Updated 2 years ago • 1 min read
Hiraeth
Photo by Marco Molitor on Unsplash

I don't often write about my mental health stuff even though I am comfortable and confident (now!) to talk about it. I have no qualms in sharing my bi-polar diagnosis, but this is due to me feeling safe in doing so. This poem Hiraeth was written for my MA in Creative Writing that I am still shocked that I even started let alone completed and passed! I went on to write a few more personal pieces that I will share on Vocal, but this is probably my favourite. 'Hiraeth' is currently being developed as song lyrics by a group in America, should get an update by the end of July. Exciting!

Hiraeth: noun (especially in Wales or Welsh culture) Spiritual longing for a home which maybe never was.

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Hiraeth

She reflected on the lost memories

of a home that never was. Her hiraeth.

She could never return.

It was limbo. Not quite there,

but also there, in every place

she created to justify and nullify existence

and the paths that must have led her

to this absurd and exhausting place.

The pills that normally numbed

were becoming as complacent

as they had made her. Wanderings

that had been stifled were free,

free to dip into corridors and

make the fear crawl over her

and the hairs on her body

stand. The only things with clear attention.

Mental Health

About the Creator

Alyson Smith

Neurodivergent, working-class writer and artist diagnosed with Bipolar. Based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. MA in Creative Writing. Currently waitressing while finishing my novel.

https://buymeacoffee.com/alysonsmith

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    Written by Alyson Smith