»
Archives
»
Open Poetry #4
»
Night Falls Fast
| Open Poetry #4 |
|
Night Falls Fast |
|
|
hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA 
|
Night Falls Fast Night falls fast and days fading light casts shadows across the worn table where reflections dance in a tumbler of warm vodka. Multicolored pills lie scattered around as if a rainbow crashed to the ground leaving remnants in its wake. One harsh, final breath is ripped, in agonizing labor, from a chest that rises for the last time then stills. Silence rings through the room as darkness descends. Night falls fast... but for those left behind, daylight never comes. Some startling statistics on suicide in the US: ~Over half a million people a year attempt suicide seriously enough to require a trip to the emergency room ~Every 17 minutes someone succeeds in taking his or her own life ~Only 2-3% of all suicides occur among people with terminal illness ~Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the US among 15-19 years and college students ~1 in 10 college students and 1/5 of all high school students seriously consider committing suicide ~1 out of every 10 high school students admits to having attempted suicide Suicide is a serious problem nation wide, but one we can all help do something about. Learn the warning signals and recognize them in friends and family and most importantly ...offer and seek help for them before it’s too late. Hugs  Ruth ------------------ Alis volat propriis (She flies with her own wings) [This message has been edited by hoot_owl_rn (edited 11-24-1999).] |
||
| © Copyright 1999 Ruth Kephart - All Rights Reserved | |||
|
Ohme Senior Member
since 1999-07-17
Posts 816Texas |
Hoot, I have known two. One hung himself, the other shot herself 2 days after the last time we met. I probably contributed to the pain of the girl. A fact that I will never recover from. My guilt from her death persuades me that I must never say or do any unkind act. So much for good intentions.  The damage we do to each other unintentionally is more than some people can take. There is no room for intentional hurt.------------------ Yesterday is history, tomorrow just a mystery. And if today is good to me how could I ask for more? |
||
|
Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Thank you, Ruth - for your contribution in making us all aware of how much of a problem this issue really is. I've seen young people attempt suicide, I've seen them succeed... I deal with the young people left in its wake every day - and it's difficult, at best, to attempt to console them... |
||
|
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
An excellent poem on a heartbreaking topic. Young suicide is such a waste of the most precious thing we have.....life. |
||
|
WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Ruth you scared me at first! Dang it! Considering your situation and all! Phew, what a relief! Thank you for sharing this with us, it is a tragedy when they think their is no other way to handle their problems! |
||
|
hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Ohme, I'm sorry you have had to deal with this first hand. The stistics are almost overwhelming. I heard or read somewhere that we will all have to experience it sometime in our lives with someone we know first hand. I shudder to think of that Nan, you are in a profession that realizes the effects of this probably more than any of us...at least it's effects on those left behind Balladeer....very true words Whtdove...I'm sorry for the scare my dear friend. Yes, I have been very depressed, but not once has this thought crossed my mind. I have worked too hard, sacrificed too much to get to where I am right now....why would I throw that all away? Besides, I have more respect and compassion for my freinds and family than to ever do something like that. No need to worry |
||
|
RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
Superb, as usual but I have to admit it scared me a little and then I had a bizzare thought that you'd seen me falling..:-) Like other's, I've dealt with it as well...the key thing is to listen and not say automatically "things will get better" or "it happens to us all" and the worst one is "I understand"...so often when talking to someone in that situation they feel that they are the only person on earth to feel the way they do and they are because each person thinks, feels and reacts differently....ooops I've rambled, but it's close to my heart! HUSG ------------------ There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it... [This message has been edited by RainbowGirl (edited 11-24-1999).] |
||
|
WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
I know you've come through a lot Ruth, and I was very surprised at first. But as I read on I understood. It was just the importance of the matter and I think we've all learned by now never to just assume one will not attempt it. I thought for a breif minute and then I knew better, but one can never be to sure! HUGS to ya! |
||
|
hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Rainbow Girl...I was going to say, I'm sorry this frightened you too....but I decided that perhaps the fact that people were a bit taken back and frightened is a good thing. Maybe it will cause them to pay more attention to the ...as Paul Harvey would say..."rest Of The story". Suicide is a scary subject and one people should pay attention to. Whtdove...Hugs and thanks. I have so many friends here on passions. I know if I ever need anything I can simple go to any of them and talk my heart out. |
||
|
lostboy Member
since 1999-11-21
Posts 275New Hampshire, USA |
I'm with you, scary but needs to be talked about. Like some of you, I have known a couple also. Recognizing the warning signs is key however. It's not always easy to pick up on other than thinking someones just feeling down. |
||
Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Ruth - My heart is sure with you on this one. May you be richly blessed with love on this holiday of Thanksgiving. ------------------ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
||
|
Echo Rhayne Senior Member
since 1999-09-17
Posts 1495Canyon Country, CA |
Good poem, I am just not going to say anything else...At least at this moment! ------------------ ~*~ Time erases and rewrites all the lines. What remains is the poetry! ~*~ |
||
|
suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Not every "I understand" is an automatic comment or pablum offered from someone who can't think of anything else to say. I truly believe that some of the best intervention counselors are those who intimately know those pits of hell, who've walked the edges of that beckoning chasm... lived to learn that it can get better, and have the compassion to share that knowledge. Great poem, Hoot. |
||
|
hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Lostboy and Marge...thank you both very much Echo...I understand that amd I'm glad you are not one of the unreversable statistics my friend. Suthern...Thank you and I couldn't agree more. When one lives through a terrible experience, they have a great deal more understanding of others going through rough times. |
||
|
RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
Suthern/Hoot: I was actually referring to those that say it but that have *no* understanding of that particular situation/emotion... Certainly the best counsellors have to be those that have lived a varied life and know the struggles involved in simple day to day managing to the more complex problems. Just in case you read my remark incorrectly.. HUGS ------------------ There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it... |
||
|
hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Rainbow...sorry, I knew what you meant on that one. Yes, you are correct, we don't always know what the other person is going through. Everyones reactions are a factor of many things....two people can have very similar life experiences and react very differently to them...genetics, socio/economic, religion, support systems, past experience...all these things and more effect how we look at what happens to us. No, we don't understand what that person is going through, only they really know for sure. The best thing we can do, is as you said, be there for them. Perhaps..."I'm not exactly sure of everything your going through, but I am here for you and will help you in anyway possible and support you in any way I can" is the best words we can say to anyone. In turn, as Suthern said and I agreed, people who have lived through similar things do have a better understanding and are in a better situation to help than those who haven't. Wow...think I better quit here with that one before Ron makes me move this entire post to Philosophy 101 |
||
|
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Excellent piece, Ruth. Heartwrenching. Too final a solution for usually temporary problems. ------------------ Denise |
||
|
Poertree Senior Member
since 1999-11-05
Posts 1359UK |
Ruth, Thanks for this insightful piece. I have known two, one very close to home I'm afraid. It's a world wide problem not openly talked about much here in the uk. The last two lines say it all. Philip |
||
|
Munda Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544The Hague, The Netherlands |
Ruth this is heartbreaking. Unfortunately I too have seen it happen around me and now a 13 year old, in my daughter's class is "announcing" suicide. Both her parents are psychiatrist and do not take this serious. Just got to talk to this girl, it's the least I can do. Thanks for this poem. It's amazing how many cries for help we miss daily. |
||
|
JTF Member
since 1999-08-09
Posts 319France |
Hoot, I understand ... ooooops,sorry, French humour ... a very powerful poem on a tragic subject ... and very wise words ... |
||
|
Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
Ruth, this is very heartwrenching, I have to admit, you scared me there for a moment, Thank god I was wrong. I know of 1 that succeeded and 1 that didn't. An Excellent poem. ------------------ What comes from the heart goes to the heart. Samuel Coleridge |
||
|
Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Wow, I've have known a few suicides, myself, but I had no idea the stats were so compelling on a nation wide basis. Powerful poem, Ruth, Night falls fast, indeed. Michael |
||
|
Isis Member Ascendant
since 1999-09-06
Posts 6296Sunny Queensland |
Ruth you naughty girl you scared me at first too!!! The statistics are shocking, I never realised either that they were that high. This one wins community message of the month!! Well done my friend ------------------ The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there IS to celebrate. ~Isis~ (Daughter of Mystery) |
||
|
Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
Lady Hoot: I must admit I've never walked that path, nor have I known anybody personally who has attempted or succeeded. I suppose I'm one of those odd statistics that has never had to face this terrible situation. I've had friends and family die from just about everything else, but never the sheer feelings of hopelessness that drives one to such an act. In some small way I must be blessed. You also made me skip a beat, but then my mind caught up to my heart and I knew you were beyond such selfishness. Always willing to be a sound-board. My best to you and yours, and be well our Lady Hoot, be well. |
||
|
caroline Senior Member
since 1999-08-16
Posts 1218http://members.xoom.com/belladona123/index.htm |
hoot, thank you...you bring needed knowledge to light. ------------------ Time's fun when you're having flies~~Kermit the Frog |
||
|
Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
My heart goes out to those who fall to such dire straits. It's sad to hear that it is so widespread. The value of a human life seems to depreciate at a daily rate. |
||
|
hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
I want to thank each and everyone of you for taking the time to read and to respond to this post. Hopefully we can make some difference. Munda...please do see someone takes this young girl serious before it's too late. ------------------ "When you come to the edge of the light which is all you know. And are about to step off into the darkness that is unknown...Faith is knowing one of two things will happen...there will be something to stand on...or you will learn how to fly." -Unknown |
||
|
Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Ruth Very well written and very worth reading Elizabeth |
||
|
moonmoon Member
since 1999-08-13
Posts 277TX , USA |
Hoot,I am groping for words...!!! I don't have any first hand experience with any acquaintances committing suicide either...And thats some place I never want to go... The despair and agony that a person goes through,to commit such a heart-wrenching act is so frightening...My heart really goes out to them...However, its not something that is to be condoned..Suicide is never a solution, just an excuse.... Thank you from the bottom of my heart for addressing an issue thats becoming a plague...And you have done much justice to it my friend....((((hugs)))) ------------------ "No one was ever ruined from without; The final ruin comes from within.".....Amelia E. Barr |
||
|
Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
I have had experience with this subject and find the statistics sobering. If anyone is alone this holiday season - or anytime, please feel free to contact me. I may not truly understand what you're going through, but I will promise to listen and not judge. Thank you Ruth, for a wonderful inspirational poem. |
||
|
Moonshine Member
since 1999-10-01
Posts 265Australia |
Wow Ruth - that is such an excellent piece, it really captures the tradgedy of suicide. At first it freaked me out a little bit (was kinda worried about you) but then I read the rest. I had a friend commit suicide on me earlier this year and it really rips you apart. In some really dark times of my life I thought about it, but realised that it would be a waste of my life. Excellent poem with a powerful msg.Well, done. Huggs....... |
||
|
hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
I can't say thank you enough everyone for your kind words, your heartfelt replies and for most of all taking the time to read this |
||
|
Tara Simms Senior Member
since 1999-08-12
Posts 1244Honea Path, SC USA |
Ruth, I work with troubled teens and the majority of them have attempted suicide in the past. Thank you for bringing to light a serious problem. This time of year is especially difficult for those dealing with depression. It's almost hard to imagine someone taking their life at a time when we are celebrating the most important things in life: family and friends. Sometimes a kind word or gesture can show those who suffer that someone DOES care. |
||
|
Marilyn Member Elite
since 1999-09-26
Posts 2621Ontario, Canada |
Ruth...I know you too well to be afraid for you (in this piece). Thankyou for sharing this with us. In my teens I attempted. I did not succeed(Thank the Lord!). It is easy to fall into the dark pits and loose yourself. Alone is a difficult thing to deal with but I believe we are never truely alone. Love you my friend. |
||
|
hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Tara...I know what your job entails and I know you see much more of this than I. I am just thankful the children you work with have your support and understanding Marilyn...I thank God too, what a loss of a precious gift that would have been my dear friend. Hugs Ruth |
||
|
Lost Dreamer Member Elite
since 1999-06-20
Posts 2464Somewhere near the Rainbow |
Ruth, What a gift you have for opening people's eyes to circumstanses around them. I knew a guy when I was a teen who used to threaten often to commit suicide and I was so scared for him, I tried to get his girl friend to take him serious, but she just shrugged it off. He ended up moving out of the state so I have no idea where or how he ended up, but I often wonder about him. |
||
|
cates Junior Member
since 1999-11-27
Posts 15 |
Thanks Hoot, I have only just begun to read poems here. I see myself so well here too, for my night once fell fast. |
||
|
hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Lost Dreamer...thank you for bringing this back to the top and thanks for your kind comments. cates...I'm glad that night turned into day for you. Welcome to passions ------------------ "When you come to the edge of the light which is all you know. And are about to step off into the darkness that is unknown...Faith is knowing one of two things will happen...there will be something to stand on...or you will learn how to fly." -Unknown |
||
|
|
⇧ top of page ⇧ |
|
| All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format. | ||