I stood on the bank of the riverFor those who are struggling - there is hope.
where Tommy O'Brien had drowned.
They say he died of a stolen kiss
his love gave to the shop keeper's son.
Mathilda cried through that dark empty night
when she desired more love than she had.
Then the walls crashed down to show the pain
would the pills in her hand let it fade?
On that day the bank took back his farm
after another year of crop loss.
Sean looked to the bottle for solace
and stared down the barrel of his gun.
Would Grace had greeted to save them
or Hope given them life on that day?
If they looked out instead of within
would they be given another way?
May we find a cure for one's lost dreams
heartaches and the depths of despair.
In silence we hear those quiet pleas
to grant peace they seek for their own.
Linked to Poets and Storytellers United:Weekly Scribblings #9: Contagion
Would things have been different, if...? We'll never know, will we? Meanwhile, those of us who know can always point the way to grace and hope. But, really, that's all we can do: point. It's up to the struggler to take the first step.
ReplyDeleteSo true.
DeleteIt's hard to see any other way. I hope they can take that step towards life.
DeleteThank you, MMT.
Suicide is a terrible taker. And many times--especially in the case of teenagers--it can work as a contagion. It's terrible that we can rarely see the horror to come before it happens, while hope is still something the afflicted can recognize and feed on.
ReplyDeleteMay anyone who needs it, see the hope that is always there... waiting to comfort.
It's a struggle for someone in that position and for those who are trying to help. Often we see them but don't hear the silent pleas for help.
DeleteThank you for your thoughts, Magaly.
This is sad beyond words, yet you harnessed the words to share with us
ReplyDeleteHappy Wednesday, thanks for this poem share
much love...
After many brighter poems and stories, this one came along.
DeleteThank you, Gillena. I appreciate your thoughts.
I feel the terrible truth of these sad reflections.
ReplyDeleteIt's unfortunate but there is hope. Two of my people are frozen in time and we do not know which way they turned.
DeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts, Rosemary.
This is so tragic. Suicide is unfortunately a contagion among youngsters.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Sanaa. It is especially sad for someone that has many years of life in front of them. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
DeleteHow important it is to see tomorrow as a new day of possibilities and put the past behind. Disappointents and failures hurt but the sun comes up every morning regardless and so should we.
ReplyDeleteHaving someone to reach out to can be a key for one on the edge of despair. I hope everyone in that situation will try one more time.
DeleteThank you for your thoughts, Robin.
*applause*
ReplyDeleteSomething I don't deserve but thank you.
DeleteSuch a tragic story, Joel.
ReplyDeleteA too familiar story for many. Some have a chance to step back from the edge and I'm glad they made that choice. For those who stepped over, I wish they made a better choice.
DeleteThank you, Kim for sharing your thoughts.
It's heartbreaking any time human life is wasted, but especially so when its through suicide. May a little shining grace find its way to people to make them pause long enough to find a way through their pain.
ReplyDeleteI think your words: "shining grace" is much better than mine. I hope everyone can find that shining grace each day.
DeleteThank you, Rommy for adding your thoughts, I think it helped this post.
Sad, Joel, I am sure you knew several of them. Probably disguised for family privacies.right now I have five in mind. One quite close in school before she changed schools, a relative, a graduating school mate, and army friend, and a local who didn't die.
ReplyDeleteBut it's a part of life. Who knows, it could happen to one of us. Don't say never.
..
It is sad and happens way too often. During the 80's it was farmers in the area and then someone I worked for. But in the story, not all were successful and their stories could go on.
Delete