The liberating force of creativity

Posted Monday 26 September 2011

This is a guest blog from Aldrick, as part of a series on creative therapies to celebrate the Mindful exhibition and our new creative therapies fund.

My name is Aldrick Monteiro, and I have been writing poetry on and off for about 30 years. I have also been suffering with schizophrenia for nearly 40 years.

By being creative whether it is by writing poetry or prose or by being artistic, my creative skills act as a liberating force within myself. I get an enormous sense of satisfaction which cannot be bought, and a sense of self-worth which again cannot be purchased over the counter, when I engage in these activities.

I find that when I have brought into existence a good poem, or I have written a good article, or done a good drawing my self-esteem knows no bounds. That I have done something worthwhile gives me no end of pleasure.

It helps my physical, mental and spiritual well-being and caters for my every good. It is something precious that I value very much, and which I do not place any monetary value on.

From an Anthology of Verse by Aldrick Monteiro, Volume One 1982 - 2009

Rambling

Once I had a normal life,
Thought I’d have a normal wife.
Things didn’t turn out that way,
I didn’t have too much to say.
Things went from bad to worse,
It was a deep felt curse.
What happened to me was no joke,
It hit me hard, it was a poke,
In the face, but no disgrace,
An open case, I was in a daze.
Mental illness hit me hard,
I could play only one last card.
I was going under and under,
And I often wondered and blundered,
About not knowing what to do,
Amongst the nutters in a private zoo.
God it was bad, really rather sad,
They said I was mad, but glad,
To see the light of day eventually.
I saw more than most, I was no wally.
Took my tablets regular and on the dot,
Lived my life, did not curse God.
Had a hard life to live, wanted to give, in,
This crazy existence, it was like sin.
Not much point in carrying on this life,
Had thought I’d have a normal wife.
Didn’t have too much to say,
Life goes on, and on today.

Life in Harrow

Living in South Harrow,
Is an experience I’ll never forget?
I live in a flat on my own,
Now, in my ways I’m set.

I’ve been living here for five years,
I’ve got everything around me I need.
My bank, my buses and trains,
And Waitrose is where I feed. 

I don’t work because I am disabled,
I manage reasonably well.
My CPN visits every three weeks,
To make sure I’m not going through hell. 

I have a few friends I visit,
I try my best to give.
I have a wonderful family,
Who give me a reason to live.

My medication I get from the chemist,
Who is situated on the High Street.
My church is further down the road,
You know, I really can’t be beat.

I visit my mother in Harrow,
Perhaps stay for one or two days.
I’m never at a loss to do things,
To occupy myself always pays.

I never thought I’d manage,
Living on my own in this way.
I do it by the grace of God,
And whatever he might say.

Aldrick Monteiro

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7 Comments

• Claire Monteiro replied on 28 Sep 2011 at 08:24

  We're so proud of you, Aldrick. Keep up the great work!

• Francis replied on 29 Sep 2011 at 10:00

  I know it's not easy being a schizophrenic as I am one too. I also try to do creative things like painting, writing and maths. Best Wishes to you Aldrick.

• Chris replied on 29 Sep 2011 at 10:00

  Well done, Aldrick. You come across as a positive person who refuses to let a mental health problem stop him from having a fulfilling and worthwhile life.

  I like your poems and the way you communicate in a natural and straightforward way about the events and experiences of your daily life.

  Your first poem communicates the distress you felt at the sudden onset of a serious mental health problem. The second poem speaks in a delightfully simple and real way about your appreciation of the various components that come together to make up your current experience of life.

  I also find it very refreshing that, in the last verse of the second poem, you refer to the grace of God in your life. May you always continue to enjoy life and enjoy God's goodness.

• Raksha replied on 29 Sep 2011 at 15:34

  Hi Aldrick

  Its brilliant your poetry is on this website to be enjoyed by all. You are very talented.

  Best wishes

  Raksha.

• Aldrick replied on 29 Sep 2011 at 16:31

  Hi, Chris. Thank you for your kind words. Yes, I have a positive outlook in my life because of my faith in God and the support and encouragement of my family and friends. I find writing poetry and the creative arts very enriching and rewarding and it helps me in my mental health situation.

  Hi, Francis. Thank you also for your response.As a fellow schizophrenic you also will realize the value of creativity in people like us. Together with regular medication and keeping oneself occupied constructively you will know how important being creative can be.

  And lastly, Claire who is my sister-in-law, Thank you for your love and support of the whole family, who have been my inspiration and help for so many years now.

• Rasmita replied on 30 Sep 2011 at 15:39

  Aldrick this is fantastic. Look forward to seeing more of your poetry on the website.

  Best wishes

  Rasmita

• Jim replied on 2 Oct 2011 at 19:16

  Nice one Aldrick, liked the poems - glad you're doing well

  Jim