I really wanted to write a poem for World Suicide Prevention Day. I wanted to write something that might speak to someone who is struggling (if that’s you, there’s some helpful stuff here) with suicidal thoughts, without saying anything really heavy or depressing. You could read this poem and not know what it’s about – I deliberately don’t mention any words related strongly to suicide or suicidal ideation. But, if you need to know what it’s about, you will.
My experience has shown me that sometimes, someone in that situation is way beyond reasons to stay alive, cliches or intellectual arguments about why it’s better to stick around. They’re numb to how it will impact others or they believe it’s actually better for others if they’re not around anymore. They’re exhausted. All you can do is slow everything down and try to get them to think about the next day, the next hour, the next ten minutes even, and hope that something distracts or comforts long enough for those feelings to pass. Something like a book, a flower, looking at the sky, a meal you know they love. Sometimes, it just works.
This poem also takes on way more meaning when you’ve tried my chunky beef chilli. Honestly I don’t usually like to brag, but it is amazing.
