MHI: OVERACTIVE IMAGINATION by W. D. County

Trigger Warning: This piece addresses mental health

The HWA is pleased to launch its Mental Health Initiative, a coordinated roll-out of events, resources, and activities intended to promote positive mental health, foster the concept of hope, and challenge the stigma of mental illness in the horror genre. The initiative, run by the organization’s Wellness Committee, launches in June, and includes the following blog posts from Of Horror and Hope, a downloadable anthology of poems, flash fiction, and personal reflections on mental health by HWA members.

OVERACTIVE IMAGINATION
W. D. County

“Your house is not a dungeon,” the doctor said to me.
“Curb your imagination, then you’ll begin to see.”
“The monster seemed so handsome,” I said quite shrill with fright.
“Yet chained me every morning, and bit me every night.”
Doc’s smile, so patronizing, so like the Cheshire Cat
Revealed no understanding of monster, crypt, or bat.
“You need some medication, I’m certain that’s the key
To ease your consternation and high anxiety.”
I left the office lacking a brave protective knight.
No drug provides escape from my unrelenting plight.
The chill of night came after the doctor-patient chat.
Then teeth that pricked my neck from the fanged aristocrat.