I created this sketch which I titled: ‘MacBeth’ when I was 17 years old, going to Victoria High school as an independent student while living by myself in Fernwood.
While I was living in Fernwood I began to use hard drugs again. Unfortunately, this time round my cocaine use prompted a drug induced psychosis.
In my studies at Vic High we were reading MacBeth in English class. For those of you who’ve experienced drug use - just imagine reading MacBeth while on acid, but instead of the book melting or some strange visual trip, the book’s story comes to life.
That was me in psychosis. I was hallucinating, I was delusional and MacBeth was playing tricks with my mind. This sketch accompanies this writing piece: The Hourglass.
The sketch was based on the three witches in MacBeth. It also illustrates elements of 'The Hourglass'. The puppet represents myself and my master (cocaine), the busier, more chaotic part near the eye that's plugged into the outlet represents psychosis, while the plug and strange Matrix like wires represent the electricity.
The Hourglass is part poetry (the present moment), part story (the past), both of which capture what I was experiencing at that time in my life. As you read the poem, which is very long, I explain the significance behind it.
Originally written on February 3, 2004 (Age 17)
This is a true story based on addiction. It’s bleak. But even in darkness there was the beauty of the child, Emily - the child I admired and wanted to protect from my reality. This is one of many stories I can tell. They’re nothing special. You don’t have to read them. But these are me. These are my stories.
I love the way that you line up the analysis or interpretation of your poetry along side your writing.