Black Sheep (Deep Seated Trauma) is the twenty-second entry from the book, The Helpless Romantic, by Travis Salguero. This book is a collection of journal entries presented as poems that give you insight into the Author’s struggles with addiction, mental illness, and his journey overcoming them.
Black Sheep
Black Sheep
LITTLE BLACK SHEEP
You have always been alone in a hundred.
“Do not play in the mud! Stay off the FUCKING fields!
DO THIS AND DON’T DO THAT!!”
Follow every direction that has been left,
Remember when you used to play?
Free to roam across these acres of beauty?
Black Sheep
Black Sheep
LITTLE BLACK SHEEP
How innocent everything was until the farmer came back to say,
“BLACK SHEEP BLACK SHEEP,
LITTLE BLACK SHEEP!!
I KNOW YOU’RE SMART, AREN’T YOU LITTLE SHEEP?
TOO BAD YOUR HEART IS STUPID AND THAT MAKES YOU WEAK!”
Black Sheep, Black Sheep,
LITTLE black sheep.
“Please do not take this the wrong way, but your heart? You do not need to keep it; throw it away behind lock and key. Then throw away the key. One day you will thank me!” he said with a twisted grin,
“You won’t need that where you’re going,”
BLACK SHEEP
BLACK SHEEP
LITTLE.
BLACK.
SHEEP.
Several organizations in Sioux Falls offer resources for those feeling like an outcast, including peer support groups, counseling, and crisis intervention. Connecting with others, finding mental health support, and engaging in community activities are all valuable steps to take.
Immediate and non-emergency support
Helpline Center: A 24/7 service connecting you to a wide range of community resources. You can call or text to find help with everyday needs or in times of crisis.
Call 211 or Text your zip code to 898211
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If you are in emotional distress, experiencing thoughts of suicide, or need to talk to someone, you can call or text this 24/7 confidential lifeline.
Call or text 988
The Link: A community triage center for those experiencing a non-violent behavioral health crisis or dealing with substance abuse issues. It offers immediate treatment and referrals to other support services.
Peer support and community engagement
Empire Mental Health Support: Offers free, in-person support groups for adults (age 18+) living with a mental health diagnosis. The groups are led by trained facilitators with lived experience. They also offer arts and crafts sessions before some meetings.
Address: 737 W 10th Street, Suite 103
Contact: info@empirementalhealthsupport.org
