By Alyza Taguilaso

                My brain hums with scraps of poetry and madness. – Virginia Woolf

I take all my medications
on time. I arrive at scheduled

appointments with my psychiatrist.
I am trying to get better

in spite of how good it feels
to be sick. I try not to talk to people

certain to destroy me
with happiness.

I am a General Surgeon from the Philippines and the author of the book “Juggernaut” (UST Publishing House, 2024). I am also diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. My work has been shortlisted for a Pushcart and Rhysling Award, and other contests like the Manchester Poetry Prize and Bridport Poetry Prize. My poems have been published in several publications, including Electric Literature, Crazy Horse, The Deadlands, Canthius, Fantasy Magazine, Nightmare Magazine, Strange Horizons, Orbis Journal, and Voice and Verse, among others. You may find me online via wordpress (@alyzataguilastorm), instagram (@ventral), and twitter/X (@lalalalalalyza).