Semi-Colon Poem by Jim Yerman

A young boy stopped in the bookstore…he said, "Hello, sir. How are you? I hope you're doing well." On second thought I think he was a teenager…the older I get the harder it is to tell.

"I have a question he whispered." Moving closer in on me. "I promise to be brief. Do you have any books in your store on understanding grief? "

We found a book he was happy with and his next words cut me like a knife, "Only a few weeks ago, " he said, "my brother took his life."

He held the book up to his chest…holding it tightly in his hand.
"I'm hoping to find some words in here that will help me understand."

"I'm so sorry for your loss." I said, "and I know it will always seem unfair…
but wherever your brother is…I imagine he's happy knowing that you care."

He handed me his book to purchase but before the transaction was done…
I took out a pen and drew a semi-colon ; in the middle of page one.

"This semi-colon is a reminder, " I said, "that your grief is something you don't need to hide. It's a symbol for anyone dealing with depression…or suicide."

"An author uses a semi-colon when he could have ended a sentence…but instead chose not to…in this case the sentence is your life and the author…well that be you."

I told him about Project Semicolon…something he hadn't known…
as a resource in case he needs it…as a way of showing him he's not alone.

As he left the store…I hoped I helped…at least I know I tried…
and I thought how sad…how sorrowful it is when someone decides on suicide.

Sad that suicide was the only answer…the only solution they could find
Sad not only for the victim…but for all the victims they leave behind.