Overdosed with fatality and fear
Stung by the scorpion of betrayal
Raped by life's ravaging realities
Terminally tormented by my past
Reduced to nothing- ground zero disease
Death looks like the sun-life's a starless night
Despair dilutes desire for living
Stripped naked of everything except being
Wiped, weary, worn-damaged but not destroyed
Drowning in my own tears but still swimming
Lying in my own blood but still breathing
Discouraged and depressed-down but now out
Hanging by a thread but I won't let go
Death's calling my name but I choose to live
Reading this poem I am reminded of the protagonist in Hemingway's Old Man and The Sea who says 'Man can be destroyed but not defeated'! Suicide is the last resort of a coward. Though life, at times can prove to be an ordeal, we have to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel. A highly inspiring poem, the diction is beautiful!
A poignant and well crafted work, Howard...Stanzaec movement is virtually flawless in structure...Rock-On ~FjR~
Suicide is a real menace in modern society.More and more people are getting depressed.Modern life puts constant pressure on mind.Advent of T.V. and internet are opening channels where we see depressing news of violence, rape, murder, war deceit and, cheat on a daily basis which make us lose faith on other people.Even one does not feel safe in his own house.Human values like love, kindness, care and sympathy are fast eroding.Children become depressed because they can not meet the high expectations of parents.There is a big gap between rich and poor.While one spends crores in luxury, another one struggling for daily bread.When one sees that there is no justice, no love, no care and no hope he feels depressed.How to tackle this monster of depression that takes millions of lives world wide? Spreading message of HOPE and ASSURANCE is the best way.Extending helpful hand and telling encouraging words to the persons who are depressed will go a long way in reducing depression.This can be imparted through counselling in school, colleges, in industries, hospital and group talks etc.Families and teachers, police, military personnel should also be sensitized.Making people aware about benefits of Yoga, and various games that involve physical exercise can have positive impact on people. All governments should take this problem seriously and think of remedial measures to tackle it. Thank you Howard Simon for your noble effort.I find many of your poems very inspirational and regard you as a great motivator.
(cont.) BUT I WOULD leave a Bri's Note after it to say my piece about why suicide is NOT [to me] a most 'terrible tragedy'; well, thinking again on it, .....ok maybe it IS but only in the sense that it is a shame people get to the point where they feel the need/desire to die, even if their lives are not 'used up' or 'useless'. bri (:
Howard, if you correct now to not, line 12, and tell me if you REALLY want Wiped (line 9) and not Whipped, i would like to use this poem in a showcase, as early as next month, (cont.)
(cont.) and i think 'suicide' should be available to those who are terminally ill, or 'terminally' abused and/or depressed, with 'no help in sight'. it IS unfortunate when survivors are left to fend for themselves sometimes, but i believe sufferers should receive relief, even if it means death, which......MAY be a great event, with a great future! ! ! i found no more typos. ; ( bri ;)
(cont.) i've skimmed through the comments and feel they are useful, except that Susan's is too optimistic! some situations do not change, and not all have equal opportunities for help to alleviate their problems. to MyPoemList. (cont.)
Howard, friend, do your 'best' to 'eradicate' your typo in: Discouraged and depressed-down but now out :) :) WOW! a fantastic write from you, with a sympathetic goal. i do believe suicide should NOT be outlawed nor ERADICATED, BUT, that said, people can get 'too down', especially in some circumstances which are acute and not chronic and can be helped by talking/counseling, sleep, and sobering up. it is nice if such things are available. (cont.)
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Amazing.. You have spoken for almost everyone here. We all have at some point or the other felt the need to end it once for all but a single beam of hope holds us back from taking the plunge. You have rightly pointed out that suicide is a terrible reality of post modern society. We have a darkness in us that is harder to defeat because of stress in this competitive world where surviving is hard for sensitive souls. A well crafted poem like all your poems are. A wonderful choice of words. Full marks to u.