If you need to talk to someone, call or text 988 (suicide & crisis lifeline in U.S.)
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we cannot see deep into another’s soul but…
perhaps person had already died inside, by lies,
ultimately beaten down by world’s cold frown
their inner world shrunk too small, too tight…
hope overshadowed by overwhelming despair,
choose permanent solution for temporary problem.
shards of shattered pain cause collateral damage…
leaving loved ones to grieve precious life cut short.

Jul 22, 2026 @ 05:26:16
Being a teacher of teens at a school for the poorest in the province I’ve managed to talk a dozen or more out of attempting suicide and helped a couple through failing to carry out their wish at the time. I would be incredibly saddened if any of my students were lost to suicide.
Jul 22, 2026 @ 07:24:20
Thank you for standing in the trenches and fighting for their lives, Shaun! Every life is a precious gift.
Jul 18, 2026 @ 11:46:20
From my experience, losing my step-son to suicide ….this is a VERY complex loss for those left behind. The stigma and unwillingness of others to talk about it only stifles their journey of grief and healing. This I know for sure and that has to change, not only for the survivors of suicide loss but for those contemplating suicide. No one wants to die. I believe those who consider it do not envision their state of mind as temporary. The more open discussion and “checking in” on those who may be suffering, the more chance we have of saving them from this fatal decision. We must be approachable. Sorry for the long-winded comment. A subject close to my heart.
Jul 19, 2026 @ 14:36:18
I’m grateful for your insight, Mish; gained from personal experience. Makes sense, they don’t see it as temporary at all. I’m sorry your family went through it but talking about it openly helps remove the stigma. I lost a friend to suicide and my father came back from the brink. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a great support for people.
Jul 19, 2026 @ 22:44:14
Thanks Lynn…I am so sorry about your friend. ❤️
Jul 20, 2026 @ 09:45:35
It was years ago…a tragedy never forgotten. Thank you, Mish.
Jul 18, 2026 @ 11:09:25
As someone who has lost a close family member to suicide and has been in a hospital (a rather silly mistake many years ago when I didn’t know that life can be as beautiful as you make it) from her own attempt. The poem captures it very well… suicide is a double edged sword… And a difficult subject to write about… Especially since some victims are the ones who have to carry on…
Jul 19, 2026 @ 14:28:45
So true! Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Reelika. Glad that you can find the beauty in life!
Jul 18, 2026 @ 09:22:32
Permanent solution to a temporary problem is something that may do real damage.
Jul 18, 2026 @ 09:32:09
Yes…a reason I think “assisted suicide ” is dangerous.
Jul 17, 2026 @ 22:12:52
hope overshadowed by overwhelming despair,choose permanent solution for temporary problem.
Suicide can never be a solution in whatever form it takes. It is great that we are aware, lynn!
Hank
Jul 17, 2026 @ 22:58:05
Yes, thank you for your comments, Hank.
Jul 17, 2026 @ 20:38:00
painful prose… beautiful poem bringing something so dark into the light… heartbreaking subject… it takes courage to speak on such a subject
Jul 17, 2026 @ 22:57:03
thank you for reading
Jul 17, 2026 @ 18:46:16
This is so sad to read.
Jul 17, 2026 @ 19:17:36
It is, Grace. I think suicide is always an unnecessary tragedy.
Jul 17, 2026 @ 18:31:56
Loss is a deep sword piercing the heart
your poem evokes that sentiment
Thanks for dropping by my blog
much love
Jul 17, 2026 @ 18:38:29
Suicide may be a double-edged sword…
Jul 17, 2026 @ 18:27:33
A difficult subject to talk about – but one which must be and you do it sensitively in your poem – Jae
Jul 17, 2026 @ 18:32:04
Thank you, Jae, for your reassuring comment…I hesitated to post but, yes, we need to talk about it.
Jul 17, 2026 @ 12:50:29
💔 💔 💔