Red: The Colour That Cuts Poem by Frankline Shem O.

In this poem, I explore the contrast between how society views colors—symbols of love, joy, and beauty—and the darker, more complex realities of mental health struggles. Each color represents not only its traditional, vibrant meaning but also the hidden pain and the awareness of specific mental health conditions. I intended to capture a spectrum of human experience, from the bright highs of passion to the deep, quiet battles fought in silence. The title " Between Light and Shadow" reflects the balance between hope and despair that exists within us all. I wrote this poem as both a personal confession and a call to acknowledge the unseen struggles that lie beneath the surface of our everyday lives. I hope it resonates with readers and opens up conversations about mental health and the many ways we experience and understand it.