I'm thinking of killing myself
and just want to tell someone
my parents never listen
never let me have any fun
I don't have any friends
the kids at school pick on me
with all their little cliques
calling me fat and ugly
operator
yes, yes I understand
it's a story that's often told
can you stay on the line
I need to put you on hold
I'm sorry but I just have to
there's a call I need to answer
a ten year old wants to die
he's been diagnosed with cancer
then there's a woman
who wants to end it all
her ex boyfriend raped her
then broke her jaw
next, I have a couple
who had a son die in Iraq
they no longer want to live
since he's not coming back
oh and did I forget to mention
the others at the end of their rope
seems like the whole world is calling
even, faith, love and hope
im part of a ctl (crisis text line) for 7 cups and sometimes we have to do the same if lets say we have an active suicide
I've never been put on hold when i've called a helpline - but i can definately feel for others who dont get throught, now i've read your poem! well done, thanks kt
i enjoy the dark humour of this piece. it flows well.
The broad compassion of this piece is beautifully carried through. Thanks.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Excellent, Jay. It's a great slice of what these hotlines are like. I don't know that the calls always come in fast and furious and that they need to put people on hold like that, but it's an interesting perspective you have.