Kathleen Hassall Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Faced with monsters Poetry Contest

6/16/26

Sponsored by Anoucheka Gangabissoon

Facing the Monster of Suicide

It has been more than a year since 
my beloved son took his own life
I promised myself that when I was able
to, I would do something

What does something look like?
I am not sure yet, but suicide happens
much too often to be acceptable.  My sweet,
smart, compassionate son became a statistic

He was very loved and we helped
him as much as he let us,
but it wasn’t enough and that is
hard to live with

His last words to me were 
“I don’t want help” when I 
told him help was on the way.
It has been hard to live with that

How do I go on after losing my son
in this way?  I am still figuring that 
out and in the aftermath, I have experienced
my own fight with thoughts of suicide

I am a believer and heaven feels very
comforting now, to the point that there
are days that I want to be there and not
here on earth, yes that is alarming

However, I am held close by my heavenly
father, I have a therapist that has been there
for me for the entire dark journey, and
I have my tribe of friends and family

I was part of Josh’s tribe, and he is no longer
here to rally around.  He is also no longer here
to suffer in the way he did on earth, so I cling
to the peace of no suffering in heaven

My plea is this: please DO Something.  I am still
trying to figure out what that something is for me,
but writing these words is my battle cry
We need to slay this Monster

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment