Silent Burdens

My thoughts about recent suicides.

self-assured father of two teens doting, providing
victorious coach of the year, training
esteemed public servant, laboring
beloved son of loving parents seemingly
broken heart

published author of stories and poems entertaining, teaching
admired mentor to the under-privileged uplifting
precious son of a gracious mother comforting
sweet child of God eternally
chronic pain

devoted mother of children leading, nurturing
sought-after nurse of our elders, rehabilitating
endearing angel of the Lord with song, praising
enamored daughter of prosperous surgeons, both, healing
addiction

obliging assistant of teachers, slaving, encouraging
diligent student of Liberty, learning
treasured only child, their life, centering
valued friend of everyone, lighting
poverty

invisible villains approached them haunting
their days appeared pleasant, their nights daunting
try as they might to discount the demons
their sensitive spirits fractured.

Author's Note

I've lost 4 friends to suicide all within the last 4 weeks. I am only a friend. I can only imagine what their families and loved ones are feeling. It's devastating. This poem introduces you to the 4 friends. It seems like they had it all. Each one bore a silent burden. Let's not judge people by appearances. Let's try to see into their hearts. While I appreciate and want reviews, please try to remember that my emotions are completely RAW at this time. Thank you. :)

Reviews

[Linda alexander]

their days appeared pleasant, their nights daunting
At times feels no justice some people have to go through this and others spared from those tragic outcomes, it is the fact or naked truth, one common cancer of society;s thinking is trying to add agony of the suffering by saying they should have done this or done that to prevent which is too cruel, still I do not think some portion of society is going to change, better we should change and ignore any kind of direct or indirect way the society's negative approach and make those as our reason to believe ourselves we are better than them or try to be better than them

[jacob erin-cilberto]

people will surprise us, especially suicides...yes, Plath, Berryman some of the famous poets, tragic, not so surprising...but the person next door, the one we know to seem vibrant and full of life...what makes it happen...the timing is weird for me reading this...a guy i worked with years ago in the restaurant...Dave...got a call last night from a friend of mine in chicago...found out he drove someplace yesterday parked the car, and put a gun in his mouth...
why? so many reasons, and so often so many reasons not to...hard to make sense of it sometimes.

you expressed this tragedy well in this poem.

[Claire in VA]

Why thank you, Jacob.

[Dayran]

I walked into a new restaurant at my place this evening ... and felt the rush of attention ... and concern for my comfort as I took my meal. Its a small place and everyone knows everybody ... and they see me in my lightening hair ... white shadow of beard ... spectacles ... and my normal dressing. They expect I'll speak of the restaurant to others ... and that people take me seriously.

The owner tries hard to sound like his price is reasonable. I go to my regular cafe after that ... and the owner is upset that I've had my meal ... as I order just a coffee. Its things like these that grow over time ... and soon ... my opinion on things becomes important. The young clerk at the internet cafe is relieved to see me because some boisterous teens walked into the cafe ... and he figures they won't wreck anything when I'm around.

I stay with the impressions created because its what society expects of us ... and yes some day it might be too much to deal with. Your poem illustrates this well ... and perhaps suggests the way things are. We are learning to do it better each time ... is what I think. I spent about 40 years rejecting any such appellations. I'm back to it today because I can. A wonderful poem about the heart of society.

[Claire in VA]

Thank you for reading and commenting.

[Frieda P]

I felt this one to my core, I lost my sister to suicide, it's an aching pain like no other. We never see beyond what's presented to us, we all have our inner demons, some people cope better than others. Those left behind are the one's that suffer, their pain is merely transferred to the living. I can't imagine four in four weeks, I also lost a dear friend, there are just no adequate words. So sorry for you loss.

[Claire in VA]

I am so, so sorry for your loss. I know that you will never be the same. I pray often for comfort for people who have lost loved ones to suicide, and I hope it helps a tad.

[Frieda P]

Indeed, when people say time heals, I'm not sure what they mean at all, it just makes the spaces wider, thanks for sharing this and your kind words.

[Adam Whitworth]

Much appreciated words Claire; you've done good.

[Claire in VA]

Thank you for reading and reviewing, Adam.
=)

[Devesh]

I won't pretend to understand how you feel because I don't. But the pain in this poem is heartbreaking! It's almost as if it was itching to break free and just be. This is what writing, IMHO, is for. I'm very sorry for your loss. May their souls rest in peace.

[Claire in VA]

Thank you for reading. :)

[Devesh]

You're welcome :)

[Daniel Dawes]

Sad and mournful.........But well written and I like the style. Thanks for sharing. :)

[Claire in VA]

Thank you for your time reading and reviewing. I appreciate it!

[Mark]

wow. 4??? were they known to one another? So sad, and I agree with you about the families. Suicide is so hurtful. :(

[Claire in VA]

No. They didnt know each other. One was a family member, one from the community, one a childhood friend, and one a new, online friend. I guess it goes to show how difficult life can be.

[Jack...]

Claire, this is so sad to read. So much ghoing for them and now...nothing but memories. Very well done my friend.

[Claire in VA]

Thank you for reading, Jack. I always like when you stop by. :)