Psychiatrists

I have paid many psychiatrists
I wish I didn't need to
They love me -
And not for my good looks!

A friend visited one
There was a joke-book in the waiting-room
Needless to say -
The shrink went broke.

Many psychiatrists look at their watch
Many talk about politics
Many manipulate -
They are not angels!

Peiople sometimes manipulate me
My doctor said I'm paranoid
I sometimes manipulate others -
He told me that's aggression!

Doctors are business people
They want to make money
They want to raise their families -
They don't want my friendship!

***

One doctor taught me to recognize my symptoms
He gave me confidence
He showed me how to vary the dosage of my medication -
I managed well for twelve years.

He told me to change my medication
I didn't want to
He insisted -
I think he was frightened of being sued.

Ten years have passed
I tried many new pills
He had excitement -
I suffered.

I looked for a new doctor
Now I take my old medication again
I am stable again
I only need help infrequently.

I'm learning to deal with psychiatrists
I'm learning about medication
I'm learning about double-speak -
I'm growing wiser.

***