Driven To Suicide Poem by John Thorkild Ellison

A man they knew was a little bit fey
And a little bit strange, so they locked him away,
They took all the freedom and joy from his life
So he ended it all with the blade of a knife.

They were well-regarded, such decent folk -
When I think of it now it's all a sick joke,
They ruined his life and destroyed his mind,
They pretended they were loving, understanding and kind.

I knew him well, he was my best friend
And I cannot believe that his torment should end
In the horror and madness of his suicide -
I'd really much rather it was me who died.

Beware of your brother or sister or wife,
Who may value your money more than your life,
Pray to the Lord That He'll spare you from death
Because you may be praying with your very last breath!