Dear Friend,

My hometown has been plagued by suicide for years. It has caused tragedy and called into question, what -- if anything -- we could have done to save the people we have lost to the dark thoughts that haunted their minds.

I've come to the realization that changing the made-up mind of a person is near impossible. I've also come to realize that your mind -- in particular -- isn't "made-up" until the moment your heart can no longer beat.

For all the moments you questioned if you will be missed I want you to read this as, "A Poem From The Person Who Has Lost Somebody From Suicide." You are not alone in this.

We can close our eyes in disbelief

But that does not allow us to close our hearts to the grief

We sit and wonder as the days go by

So many questions, starting with: why

You are the happiness behind so many smiles

Don't go, because we are willing to walk with you every mile

We’re happy to have you in our loving arms

We’ll keep you from committing self-harm

We are able to wipe away the tears you shed

We can kiss away the darkness in your head

We can laugh together once again

Once complete happiness wins

Everybody in life has their drawbacks

But we will remind you of all the greatness, you think you lack

The sound of your voice is one of a kind

Let us help you escape this state of mind

We close our eyes and are scared of your fate

We open our eyes to still see your beloved face

We want our memories with you to be endless

You are the victim to horrible thoughts, defenseless

You grin at life with empty joy

But there is still so much life left to enjoy

We've all felt as high as the tallest mountain peak

And as low as the deepest creek

But find the best field to sleep and lay

In the bed of a truck at the end of the day

The life you're living offers much more

There's always another open door

You think the world would be better off without you

But darling, you have no clue

Your dark world can be fought

You can find the happiness that you sought

You're not alone in this war

We are not here for you to ignore

If you question if you'll be missed

Please try to resist

Your thoughts are better spent

Not questioning what you meant

Before you ever try to leave

There are things you need to perceive

Things that are important, two

1. You 2. That's the truth

It's extremely difficult to confess to people the thoughts that go on inside a suicidal mind. We can't begin to understand the torment that endlessly continues in a mind thwarted with dark thoughts, however, you can understand that we will be happy you came to talk.

You are better than the people that allow you to think less of yourself. You are strong. You are able to overcome this. You are loved. You are the only version of yourself; don't think it isn't good enough to be present on this Earth.

Some battles are too large to be fought by just one soldier, never feel ashamed to ask for help. National Suicide Prevention Line: 1 (800) 273-8255.

Sincerely,

A Person Who Doesn't Want To Lose You