Hoarding Poem - Simon Drake
No one understands my plight
I love everything I own
Wall to ceiling I fill the space
To feel safe within my home
Newspapers, clothes and food shopping
possessions mean the world to me
I am judged by those with no understanding
A hoarder is all they will ever see
You don’t know my history
Of what I have lived through
I share my home with shame and guilt
You have no idea, do you?!
I have relationships with all of my belongings
Each item comforts and supports
Yet I see fingers pointing and judging eyes
You don’t know the battles I have fought
You think I’m dirty and disgusting
Rubbish and junk that’s all you see
I would be exposed and vulnerable
If you took my possessions away from me
Please show a little kindness
I haven’t been outside in years
I’ve built this fortress for my protection
To allay me from all my fears
So many things I have sacrificed
To calm the voices in my head
From friendships, love and family
To bathing and sleeping in my bed
They want to repossess my home
Labelled a hoarder I have no voice
I am being forced to bin all of my possessions
How am I expected to make that choice
Please don’t come in all guns blazing
Tread softly making your way to me
I am already loaded with embarrassment and shame
I need unconditional love and empathy
Please show me a little compassion
Hoarding feels like it’s now a crime
I need your support and patience
For me to heal will take some time
Credit to Simon Drake, where this poem appears in his book Triggers.
